SUCCESS

When I was young I had thoughts about what constituted success. I remember telling someone, as an elementary school student, I would have “Doctor” as a title. I did not know or care in what field I would be “Doctor.”

When I got to middle school I defined success in three stages. First, in college I would be an All-America basketball player. Then, I would turn pro and become a millionaire. Finally, I would be elected President of the United States.

Now as I live in my autumn years (the best and brightest color is yet to come), I reflect on where I have been. I did not become “Doctor.” However, I did earn a Master’s degree. Though I still love basketball, I did not go far with my skills. I did have a college roommate who was a three-time All- America in golf. I did not become a millionaire. Yet I often tell people I am a very rich man, though I have little money. I am thankful I lost interest in politics.

I take solace in two poems about “Success.” It is unclear who the author of the first one was. Apparently it has been erroneously attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. A similar but longer poem was written by Bessie Anderson Stanley in 1904. The words in both poems speak encouragement and truth to me.

“What is Success”
by Ralph Waldo Emerson (?)

To laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the approval of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived…
This is to have succeeded.

“Success”
by Bessie Stanley

He has achieved success
who has lived well,
laughed often, and loved much;
who has enjoyed the trust of pure women,
the respect of intelligent men
and the love of little children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it
whether by an improved poppy,
a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others
and given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.

Below is a slideshow with descriptions of success.

Success Poem