I came across this definition of success in a book on homeschooling:

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.

My book attributed it to Ralph Waldo Emerson, but this site traces it to a 1905 publication by Bessie Stanley.

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Mary McNabb
February 26th, 2012 at 8:18 pm (#)

Great thoughts for a mid winter’s day. These are the important things in life whether penned by Emerson or Stanley. Thanks for sharing.

Pete Nokes
March 13th, 2012 at 1:56 am (#)

In the business world, many people are paid by 50 % coins: cash and experience. Go ahead and take experience first; the money will come later.
Nowadays nothing can probably be said to ensure, except death and taxes.

Petteri
November 23rd, 2013 at 11:48 am (#)

Thanks for sharing. This is really a great definition of success.