1 of 33

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

disease. "

So, perhaps success in the way we have previously defined it, is as much "illusion" as it is "illusory".

At times, the world rewards those who deserve reward. At other times, and more often that not, it fails to recognize those who are worthy of success. There are many examples of this. Vincent Van Gogh only sold 1 painting in his entire life, and it was bought by his brother. Emily Dickinson was not well known and was only published after her death, as was true of Sylvia Plath, and Franz Kafka. Many "successful" writers were only published posthumously. Mozart died penniless. .Edgar Allen Poe lived in abject poverty despite his work being published.

Sometimes, it appears that people, who have done little, are the ones who reap the spoils, whereas the ones who deserve happiness have achieved scant amounts.

Christopher and Dana Reeves, Michael Jackson, Judy Garland, Billie Holiday, Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Diana, Martin Luther King, Jr, as well as countless others have had their lives filled with tragic outcomes. If we take the etymology dictionary's definition of success at face value, the above lives which do not contain the "happy outcome(s)", and who often did not within their lifetimes gain the " accomplishment(s) of a desired end" failed. Yet, when we think of these larger than life people we do believe they are successful. Perhaps we have, what they did not, the objectivity of time without them in it. Time in which was created a broader perspective of their gifts and the indelible impressions that their lives left upon us. There is something intrinsically "successful" about lives which are lived in spite of adversity.

Life is not fair. Hard work is important for its own sake, but it does not always give the desired result. Text books can be wrong. Businesses fail, marriages break up, people get sick and die. There are accidents; natural and man-made. There is war.

None of us are failures because we have not received what we have worked for. We are not failures if our lives have not always had happiness as a result.

Perhaps it is time to look at the word "success" from a broader perspective. If we are able to do that, then perhaps we will find gratitude, instead of a glass half empty. It is when we solely depend upon others to define our success or failure, that the inner meanings of "success" may elude us. In the healing of a relationship, holding down a job, being present for family and friends, triumphing over a disease or difficulty,

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to tell if you are successful in life?
We want to hear your view. Write now!