What is True Success in Life?
What does success in life mean to you? Society often pushes us toward wealth and status, but I believe true success is deeper. A quiet walk in nature inspired me to rethink this question.
Beyond Material Achievements
Success isn’t about a big house or a fancy car. Those things fade. Instead, it’s about finding inner peace and living in harmony with who you are.
In today's world, the word "success" resonates like a mantra. We hear it everywhere: in motivational speeches, advertising campaigns, self-help books. But what does it truly mean to be successful? Is there a universal recipe for success, or is it an individual path that each person must carve out for themselves? Today, I want to delve into this topic from a philosophical perspective to understand what makes life truly successful and how we can find harmony in our aspirations.
Success as an External Marker: The Societal View
Society often imposes certain standards of success upon us. A big house, a prestigious career, financial stability, popularity on social media—these have become the "trophies" of the modern world. We measure success through material achievements, the number of likes, or public recognition. But do these things truly define the quality of our lives?
Philosophy teaches us to question the obvious. Back in Ancient Greece, Socrates urged people to "know themselves" to understand what true good is. If we blindly follow external markers of success, we risk losing touch with ourselves. Can a person who has reached the pinnacle of their career but feels empty inside truly call themselves successful? The question is rhetorical, but it makes us think.
Success as Inner Harmony: The Philosophy of Stoicism
Stoics like Marcus Aurelius or Seneca offered a completely different view of success. For them, true success lay in inner freedom and harmony. They taught that we cannot control external circumstances—wealth, fame, health—but we always have power over our perceptions and reactions. According to the Stoics, a successful person is one who maintains calm and dignity no matter what fate throws at them.
This idea resonates in the modern world as well. Think about it: how many times have we felt disappointment when we achieved a goal, but it didn’t bring the expected happiness? A new phone, a promotion at work, or a trip to a dream destination—all of this fades if there is no peace inside. Stoicism reminds us that success is not a destination but a way of traveling.
Success as Self-Realization: The Existential Perspective
Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre or Albert Camus offer yet another perspective. For them, life itself has no predetermined meaning, and it is this very fact that gives us the freedom to create our own. Success, in this context, is the process of realizing oneself, one’s values, and unique potential. It’s not about meeting others’ expectations but about being true to oneself.
The existential approach can seem daunting because it places full responsibility for our lives on us. But at the same time, it is incredibly liberating. Success is not measured by the number of achievements but by the depth with which we live each moment. For example, a person who has dedicated their life to raising children, creating art, or helping others may feel more successful than someone who has gained wealth but lost touch with their own soul.
The Balance Between Aspiration and Acceptance
One of the greatest dilemmas of modern humans is how to find a balance between ambition and self-acceptance. On one hand, the desire for growth and achievement motivates us to move forward. On the other, the constant pursuit of "bigger and better" can lead to burnout and a sense of emptiness.
Daoist philosophy, for example, offers the concept of "wu-wei"—the art of non-action. This doesn’t mean passivity but rather going with the flow of life without resisting. Success, in the Daoist sense, is the ability to be in harmony with the natural rhythm of the world, not forcing events but also not avoiding action when it is needed.
In practice, this might mean setting goals for ourselves but not becoming attached to the outcome. For instance, if you dream of starting your own business, work towards it, but don’t let failures define your self-worth. Success is not just about achieving the goal but also about the lessons you learn along the way.
Success as Connection with Others
Another aspect that is often overlooked is our relationships. Aristotle’s philosophy emphasizes that humans are "social animals," and our happiness is inextricably linked to other people. Success cannot be complete if it isolates us from those we love or makes us indifferent to the world.
Think about the moments when you felt truly happy. Weren’t they moments of closeness with family, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or the joy of helping someone? A successful life is not just about our personal victories but also about how we impact the lives of others.
How to Find Your Path to Success?
So, if success is not just about wealth, fame, or achievements, how can we attain it? Here are a few thoughts that might help:
Understand your values. What is most important to you? Family, creativity, freedom, helping others? Success begins with clarity about what gives your life meaning.
Accept failures as part of the journey. Philosophy reminds us that mistakes are not the end but an opportunity to grow. Each failure brings you closer to understanding yourself.
Seek balance. Don’t let any one area of life—work, ambition, or even leisure—consume you entirely. Harmony is the key to long-term happiness.
Be grateful. The practice of gratitude helps you notice small moments of success every day: good weather, a tasty coffee, a smile from a loved one.
Don’t be afraid to change course. Life is not a straight line. What seemed like success at 20 may lose its meaning at 40. Allow yourself to grow and rethink your goals.
The Lives We Touch
For me, a successful life is measured by impact. It’s about the people we inspire, the moments we share, and the harmony we create.
Success is not a finish line but a journey. It’s not something that can be measured in numbers or others’ praise but what you feel when you go to bed thinking, "I lived this day the way I wanted." Philosophy doesn’t provide ready-made answers, but it teaches us to ask the right questions. So, I leave you with one: what does it mean for you to be successful? And are you ready to take a step towards it today?
What’s your definition of success? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective!