How Should We Measure Success?

Lavish automobiles. Ostentatious homes. Elaborate apparel. Lavish jewelry. Multiple sexual partners. Which of these, if any, measures our success? As Americans, we look at others who may possess these things and immediately call the individual successful. If you don't believe, just watch music videos or television shows like "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" or "Cribs". You will see that people will purchase things that they frankly don't need or will never use just to show others their "success". Even the artists who perform most songs heard on the radio today brag about their purchases, sexual conquests, and extravagant lifestyles. Why? Because no one obviously wants to be associated with or even listen to the music of one who might be classed as a "loser." Odd, isn't it, since most musicians historically have been starving artists. Also, how did many of them get so rich, as their lyrics dictate, before they released their first album? Regardless, society today insists that we measure success materially. So these musicians are happy to oblige.

Actually, these lyrics give eye to what could be a rip in the very stitch of the fabric of society. We are so consumed with being successful that it is the only thing we wish to hear about. Even the false pretense of success sang or rhymed to us in song or leased for our eyes on a reality show. In the words of American critic Christopher Lasch, "nothing succeeds like the appearance of success." Obviously, this is a belief of our musical artists. But if this is the case, why are so many of them unhappy? Why do we see them wasting money and abusing drugs for seconds of a smile?

Contrary to popular belief, success should not be measured by one's sexual exploits or material acquisitions. No, success should be measured by the things that bring lasting happiness. Can any amount of money can bring that? "Try not to become a man of success, but rather become a man of value," said Albert Einstein. Values, morals, purpose should be the things that rank first in our hearts and minds. These are the things longstanding. A parent who raises productive members of society who love and give back to their community while caring for the parents who raised them is successful. A person who gives of their education and ability to motivate others by teaching our children through the low paying school system instead of taking self-sufficient, high-paying employment is successful. One who accomplishes much and gains materially, but turns around and aids their fellowman through phylanthropy is successful. All of these things bring lasting satisfaction and pure happiness with none of the temporary contentment that self-amassment will bring. The old adage is true that money cannot bring happiness. It can only rent it for a while. And, rented happiness is not success.

In our lifetime, we may make a lot of money or we may struggle monetarily. But, if we find ourselves investing what we have in our children, and doing the things that makes it easy for us to look at our own reflection in the mirror, we will find success. With that in mind, may we all aspire to be successful!