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suc·cess Pronunciation: s&k-'sesFunction: nounEtymology: Latin successus, from succedere1 obsolete : OUTCOME, RESULT2 a : degree or measure of succeeding b : favorable or desired outcome; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence3 : one that succeeds

I sometimes wish that I could have had some measure of success. A crown that I could hold high. See what I have done? See what I have accomplished? Instead, I am, and have been, only doing my best; and it all falls short. I could be a better friend, a better father, a better husband, a better this or that. I am suited to taoism. A hermit in the hills. I sometimes wish that I could escape away into obscurity. Become invisible to all that I have known and to all that have known me.
Isn't it interesting to note that I have made little to no mark upon the world? Isn't it interesting that one would aspire towards wanting to? When I am dead and gone, within a few years none will remember me. If I died and thousands remembered me, wherein would the difference lay?
So, is there really success or the lack therof?

Comments

The Rambling Taoist said…
only doing my best; and it all falls short.

If you do your best, what do fall short of?
3:42 AM
Anonymous said…
i don't know. really I don't. i've reached the point where i think 'success' is being happy. if you're happy you make others around you (eg kids, wife, dog) happy. this is important and memorable and you will no doubt be remembered for it. for who does not value this feeling? does this sound too simplistic?

but by the way i am sure to your family you are worth so much more than you think you are...
8:20 PM
tao1776 said…
The Judeo-Christian influence again, Mr Rambler.
capegirl - what can I say? Success is being happy, content and comapssionate towards all sentient beings. Being remembered has no value. The less time I spend in meditation the more harsh a judge I am with myself.
9:24 PM
steve said…
we hope for more
nearly always
chronic pain heard

to be loved
and know it
can that happen?

words
are too easy
to say

judging
extinguishes
self-hope

any
day
ends

you
are
you

i
am
me

she
is
right,

you know
9:35 AM
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