Comments on: Do We Need a New Definition of Success? http://www.middleclasslifeboat.com/blog/2008/02/14/do-we-need-a-new-definition-of-success/ Raising a Collective Middle Class Voice for Change with Paul & Sarah Edwards Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:22:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 By: Sarah http://www.middleclasslifeboat.com/blog/2008/02/14/do-we-need-a-new-definition-of-success/#comment-26 Sarah Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:04:22 +0000 http://www.middleclasslifeboat.com/blog/2008/02/14/do-we-need-a-new-definition-of-success/#comment-26 I think the times I am most aware of what success truly means to me is when I am with friends and loved ones or when I am walking in the forest. I feel like I am a successful person when I can savor those things, really enjoy them, instead of worrying about money and what I do and don't have the money to own. I feel like a true success when I take the time from whatever I'm doing to respond to a sick friend, or send congratulations to someone who has shared a milestone with me. I do notice how our culture is not set up to make achieving such success easy. The financial press is meant to keep us all focused on working hard so we can keep shopping and paying bills. But it's worth it to me to put what feels like real success first. I think the times I am most aware of what success truly means to me is when I am with friends and loved ones or when I am walking in the forest. I feel like I am a successful person when I can savor those things, really enjoy them, instead of worrying about money and what I do and don’t have the money to own. I feel like a true success when I take the time from whatever I’m doing to respond to a sick friend, or send congratulations to someone who has shared a milestone with me. I do notice how our culture is not set up to make achieving such success easy. The financial press is meant to keep us all focused on working hard so we can keep shopping and paying bills. But it’s worth it to me to put what feels like real success first.

]]> By: marina http://www.middleclasslifeboat.com/blog/2008/02/14/do-we-need-a-new-definition-of-success/#comment-24 marina Tue, 19 Feb 2008 01:27:01 +0000 http://www.middleclasslifeboat.com/blog/2008/02/14/do-we-need-a-new-definition-of-success/#comment-24 I really love Emerson's definition of success. I read it every time I get caught up in the materialism of this country. Here it is: 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 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 I really love Emerson’s definition of success. I read it every time I get caught up in the materialism of this country. Here it is:
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 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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