Success

Success
by Ralph Waldo Emerson

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 the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better
Whether by a healthy child,
a gardenPatch
or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived;
That is to have succeeded