"We throw all our attention on the utterly idle question whether A has done as well as B, when the only question is whether A has done as well as he could"

This quote by William Graham Sumner is a pointer to focus on our own efforts and accomplishments rather than comparing ourselves to others. He is suggesting that instead of stressing over whether we have actually done as well as another person, we must be asking ourselves if we have actually done our best. This is an important suggestion to remain concentrated on our own development and not get too captured up in comparing ourselves to others. It is important to acknowledge our own efforts and achievements, and to make every effort to do our best. Sumner's quote is a suggestion to remain focused on our own goals and to not get too caught up in comparing ourselves to others. It is very important to recognize our own efforts and achievements, and to aim to do our best.