Friday 26th February - What is success?

Gill heard this poem below read at a funeral service a few years ago.
In 2021, success seems to be linked with achievement of discernible goals. This could be: higher income leading to bigger house in nicer area, a better car, excellent school and so higher exam results, weight loss goal, book published, races won etc. These are, of course measurable signs of success. But what if you don’t achieve these kind of successes?

What do you think of these words? Are these any more achievable? Do you agree with the poet’s conclusions?

WHAT IS 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;
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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