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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True success is measured by daily kindness, integrity, and the positive impact you have on others' lives.
- In plain terms
- Success means living kindly and leaving the world better.
- What can you take from it?
- Success is about impact, not wealth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does success look like?
- How will you be remembered?
Another view
This definition overlooks systemic barriers that prevent some from achieving these goals.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every revolution was first a thought in one man's mind and when the same thought occurs in another man, it is the key to that era.
Permalink to quote #308 As soon as there is life there is danger.
Permalink to quote #310 Be silly, be honest, be kind.
Permalink to quote #307
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