What Is It To Succeed

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 garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.
by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Early thoughts: Today I was at a family festival fair managing a booth for a youth center, while an elderly person came up after he saw the slogan "Motivating Youth to Succeed", he asked, "What is it mean to be succeed?"

I looked over his eyes, thought for a moment, then softly gave him my answer, which I wasn't sure it's right or not.

What is it to succeed, to you?