GreyMatter

The Meaning of it All

A post on Atanu’s blog points me to an excellent quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882) on his definition of “success”:

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

And you thought success meant making more money?!

P.S. I have since learned that Emerson was not its writer. The quote may be traceable to a 1905 publication by a Bessie Stanley. Apparently, in a collection of quotations on “success,” her poem appeared on the facing page from a quotation which was from Emerson. Either way, I wish more earthlings thought of success in these terms! 🙂