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In attempting to define the true meaning of success it is not necessary to describe how to achieve it. Nevertheless, to make that distinction may be helpful before determining its meaning, since success has to be achieved before its meaning can be evaluated..

The way to achieve success is standard in its application to all individuals across all cultures. It is a process, it is a journey, towards a goal that entails a vision, a plan, and motivation to ensure its accomplishment. A member of a tribe in the Amazon region has a far different goal than that of a graduating high school student in North America, however , they will dream a vision, enact a plan, and with the proper levels of motivation strive to attain success.

Societies define the meaning of success typically in a broad general sense. In modern capitalist societies, success is normally defined by the outward indicators of wealth. This materialistic view of success is necessary for modern capitalistic society to continue. Hence, the general population can take the view that the meaning of success equates with what others may perceive they have accumulated materialistically. Unfortunately, being socialized in that manner can lead to dissatisfaction, since the true meaning of success is continually being left up to others to determine and can never be completely attained.

On an individual basis, the true meaning of success could best be described as an objective a person determines worthwhile accomplishing. The meaning is intensely personal, the successful feeling is the positive reinforcement that results from engaging in a process that required planning, dedication and sacrifice. In this sense an individual may be immensely personally successful but society in general would not necessarily make that judgement. Conversely, society may view an individual as successful, in that they have acquired the materialistic image of success but that person may be dissatisfied because they have not have found their true meaning of success.

Therefore the true meaning of success can not be accurately defined universally. Societies define it and dictate what it appears to be, individuals seek it and express it either in ways they feel others perceive it, or for their own innate satisfaction. What is clear is that success, in whatever fashion it is defined, is necessary, both as a broad societal concept and as an individual pursuit. It is what can define a person and a society.

As for morality, once again, society may frown on a career criminal whose goal is to steal the crown jewels and determine that he does not represent the true meaning of success, however, should the criminal be successful it is true to him and really that is all that matters.

Learn more about this author, Robert A. Mclean.
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