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What is sucess to you?

Guest

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I know my definition of sucess has changed since stroke entered my life. How do all of you measure sucess? At one time it was the address, money and job and car I drove. It also was having the first son to carry on the husbands family name. That was then, this is now....( did that book appeal to amyone besides me?) I have some more Zen to share, it is untitled and the author is unknown to me.

 

To laugh often and love much, to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens 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 laughed and played with enthusiam and sung with exaltation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived- this is to have suceeded.

Pam

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jriva

 

Hi Pam,

 

This has always been a favorite quote of mine, too. I grew up believing it was written by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)---essayist, poet and transcendentist---was taught that in high school. I understand there is someone now challenging him as the source but I don't know how much truth there is in the claim. It will always be Emerson to me. Titled "A Successful Life."

http://www.newenglandtravelplanner.com/people/emersonrw.html

 

Jean

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swilkinson

I think it was Emerson ho wrote it down but he must have read it in much older material. It is one of my favourites too.

 

I never thought of success as even achievable, wasn't brought up that way. Dad always said:"Just do your best and be satisfied with that." So that feeling that what you have done is your best work is my mark of success I guess.

 

Sue.

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jriva

 

 

Sue

 

Supposedly, the poem got pasted in someone's scrapbook opposite a poem that Emerson wrote and signed. Whoever found the scrapbook and published it long after his death, just assumed that Emerson wrote the poems on both pages. His creditbility isn't being called into question. It wasn't his scrapbook.

 

It drives me crazy when people don't credit the source of material they pass on...and for good reason. lol_2.gif

 

Jean

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slowe

Count me in as another fan of this essay. I first "found" it several years ago when a dear friend's father died. I sent it to him, only to find it had long been a favorite of his, as well!

 

Success. I think you hit the nail on the head, Pam. It's not how much money you have in the bank, or what kind of car you drive, or ohow big your house is. It's what's inside you.

 

 

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HostAsha

Pam:

 

I loved your defination of success, if its Emerson who wrote it, then I love him 2, I do have question, how do you change world around you who believes having more material wealth is being successful, also at thesame token wealth does bring power, look at how america noses around every other country's business, they can get away with it, cause they have power money

 

but I feel with the money you can bring lot of difference in world

 

Asha

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Guest
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