Compare and contrast

It would be impossible to discuss the subject without a common frame of reference. - Spock, Star Trek IV

Was it good? Was it great? Was it the best ever?  How do we know, unless we have comparison.  

We know who is fastest at the race because he crosses the tape before the other runners.

We know who is the best gymnast because they are all watched performing, and scored.

But, when we think about our co-workers - the best ever...have we compared them to every other co-worker, or even the ones at the other franchises?

Or whether this wonderful life is as wonderful as it could be, based on a thousand what-ifs and a trillion unexpected or unpredictable consequences of playing out the what-ifs...