As you begin to age it seems to be a thought that so many dwell on. Many years ago I thought I heard the answer and I thought I knew the author but after reading everything he wrote, I found out he didn't write it. In fact, the author is a mystery. After one week of searching on the net I was able to find it, so here it is--find out once and for all if you are a "Success" To have laughed often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endured the betrayal of false friends; To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know if even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have "Succeeded" !!!

-- Joel Rosen (JoelnBecky@webtv.net), February 17, 2002

Answers

The most universally applicable and understandable measure for "success" is to define it as being who you want to be and doing what you want to do. By this simple definitiion, no, I am not a success. However, I have observed a kind of absolute law ruling in the universe that bears a corollary relationship to the benevolent tone of Joel's quote: it is this "No good deed goes unpunished".

Almost fifty years ago I was DX'ing with a little AM radio and a long wire and I heard a fragment of an old fashioned cowboy song coming over a pirate station somewhere over the Mexican border; the song made such an impression on me I have looked for the song over four decades and, though I still haven't found it, I have never forgotten the refrain. It went:

"SUCCESS IS SURVIVAL--WE'LL ALL TOUGH IT OUT"

That somewhat more generous definition of "success" can give everyone hope.

-- Rags in Alabama (RaggedReb@aol.com), February 17, 2002.

Hello Joel,

Sucess is the progression of a worthwhile goal or dream! I would say by this definition that I am truly a success.

Sincerely,

Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), February 17, 2002.

Rags, try Michael Martin Murphey's tape with Wildfire on it. I have just don't know which box it's in. I'll hunt for it

-- Cindy (SE. IN) (atilrthehony@hotmail.com), February 17, 2002.

Rags, Blue Sky-Night Thunder is the tape and the song is Desert Rat. This may not be what you're listening for, but it does end in those words. I really like the song. My tape is about shot or I'd send you a copy of that song. MMM has a website. http://www.michaelmartinmurphey.com hope this helps

-- Cindy (SE. IN) (atilrthehony@hotmail.com), February 17, 2002.

Joel, I love this quote and have made it my personal motto. This site has some info on the mystery and author.

Success Poem

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), February 17, 2002.

Thanks Bren--that site was neat and I also now believe that someone paraphrased this poem from that one. The upside is that I got to read a lot of Emerson in my search. If I wasn't a trancendentalist before I started than I surely am now. Thanks !

-- Joel Rosen (JoelnBecky@webtv.net), February 17, 2002.

Joel----- I have owned many/many businesses----done lots of volunteer work --been up & down many a hill----have raised children & step- children---foster children----taken in strays of all kinds--- but I believe my claim to fame is being a Grandma!!!

I'm very successful at it!!!

-- Sonda in Ks. (sgbruce@birch.net), February 17, 2002.

I am content that the Lord has seen fit to place me in so many very cool places with such diverse folks over the years..hookers, foster children, Amish, inmates, homeless, drug addicts,and even a bunch of filthy rich folks! What a TRIP! I have been blessed to be the last person to hold people while they died; I have been blessed by delivering newborn babies out in the woods of Maine; I have been blessed to give "Mama hugs" to murderers and rapists while they cried and cried how sorry they were; I have been blessed to have a large home for a slew of foster children with really whacked parents; I have been blessed to see one of these kiddos be adopted by a spectacular family and so far, live happily ever after; I have been blessed to care for an Amish great-great-grandmother in the kitchen of their "generation home", where she was surrounded by tons of noisy loving children in her last hours; I have been blessed by working with Autistic adults and having them wrap their arms around me and say "Thank you" so softly into my shoulder. Oh yes, I have had a wonderful lot of "successes" that I wouldn't trade for all the world...the neat part is that, to me, I have received so much more than I feel I have ever given! I have married the most wonderful compassionate man who treats me as a queen...I have had five terrific children and now have four beautiful grandchildren.....soon to be 54 years of living and I sure ain't done yet, Lord willing.....what more could there be to life than to be of service to others??????

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), February 17, 2002.

Joel, I like your way of thinking and enjoy your input..Keep it up

-- Bob...S.E.Ohio (snuffy@1st.net), February 20, 2002.