Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was a poet and philosopher. He also might have been
Emerson gave us the best definition of success I’ve ever come across:
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 little better;
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you lived.
This is the meaning of success.
