Success

In our so-called developed society, it seems that the media dictates what it means to be successful. We are showed images of entrepreneurs, CEOs, head of states and other high profile people living the high life in print, on television and on the web. Walk into a bookshop and you will find an ever growing self-help section with inspirational literature from gurus who can tell you how to improve your life. So really, do we need others to tell us how to live life successfully? In first place, how do we define success?

Below is an interesting quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson on success:

What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the 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;
That is to have succeeded.