Towards a Right Understanding of Success

Success is a powerful idea. It builds empires and orders lives. At least the common conception of success which has been considered thus far. It might even be the difference between higher life and the lives of beasts. Perhaps that is an overstatement, but success drives us beyond mere survival in a physical sense. It is not enough to fill the stomach, rest the mind and propagate our genetic code. While bears prefer to chase scents on the forest floor we chase wealth and possessions. Why is that? Why should we not experience contentment when all of those appetites experiencing want (shelter, sustenance, sex) are contented?

A theory: Perhaps survival has become too easy. If the necessities of life are adequately provided for and there remains no trace of survival anxiety, then our energies need be displaced. Success is what is left to seriously pursue when the basic needs are met. To me this is an interesting account of success. One could say we’ve grown idle and success is the societal solution.

Everything that survival provided for now success provides. This means a powerful structure of meaning and agreed form of release. We strive to succeed as social survival. There are still winners and losers of course. That much is perfectly clear. But the penalty upon losing is not the loss of ultimate existence. Rather it is social death. In this way, we human beings can continue our struggle for survival which is so characteristic of our common condition.

Though this is an interesting account of success it simply will not do because it cannot make sense of the whole phenomena which is success. It provides one commentary on success but this explanation doesn’t go far enough. If success is only the measurement of prosperity and the thrill of competition, which incidentally brings us back closer to the animals we assumed so different in the first place, then all has been said on the subject. However, there is a success which aspires to something different.

A second theory: Perhaps we’re conscious that survival is futile. The former theory interprets possessions, wealth and honour as demonstrations of superiority. This is survival of the fittest played out in social circles; a consequence of having too much free time. But there is a success sought which is intent, not on accumulation and demonstration, but identity and permanence. Those seeking to be loved by the world for what they gave. A measure of identity and striving for permanence.

Maybe we all want to last forever but know we never will. Collectively, we have been granted the unique insight that one day we will die. Therefore, the only avenue of survival left is accomplishment. Public remembrance through success of some variety or another. Achieving immortality is the meaning of success. It is the only way to truly survive our deaths. A great book will immortalize its author and a great general will establish his legacy through conquest.

The end of theory: Success as the perversion of ambition. Whatever the meaning of success, whether the measure of social status or the eternal testament of a life, the concept itself is found to be corrupt. It is fed by anxieties of one sort or another. In contrast, the Christian’s source of hope and identity is found in the hope of the resurrection and the righteous judgement of Christ.

On Success

Shawn Miller wanted to be loved by as many people as possible. Not that they would cling to him, or that they would really need him in any way. He knew of course that this would be expected and of course that was unfortunate. What Shawn really wanted was their praise, their honour, and their esteem. To be lifted up on the wings of these sentiments and soar far above the common men living below. There breath would come naturally and movement freely.

This does not mean he sought empty compliment or took satisfaction in the mere form of praise. Only the cruellest and most removed tyrants, having lost the ability to discern the substance of such hollow words, derive pleasure from empty compliment. Those who, being deluded as they speak to themselves, ignorantly compensate for what is lacking in the flattery they receive from others. No, Shawn was not like that. It was true that he wanted to be loved by as many people as possible. He, however, could not endure false praise. For those wings to function they had to be strong and solid.

Furthermore, Shawn Miller wanted to be loved on account of what he gave. For the greatness he could bestow upon others. He would say the right things at exactly the right times. This meant a kind word for some; for others a rebuke or correction. He would give and receive in perfect proportion because he understood both the wrong felt by a frustrated giver and the grateful heart a gift engenders. Never could one accuse him of being inappropriate. To be all things to all men while all would marvel at his appropriate conduct. This would be his measure of success. In it he felt an assurance. Though not completely stable, as it was subject to fickle people, neither was it a product of his own imagination.

The life of a politician is measured in just this way. Pretence of virtue aside, the politician’s success is dependant on perception and presentation. Perception as in the opinions of others, either in accordance with or contrary to the facts as they are. Presentation as in how he goes about influencing these opinions. Unfortunately, the life lived “politically” is a thorny affair. The old adage that you cannot keep all the people happy all of the time seems to be true. Empires (large political networks) have a tendency fall apart just as quickly as they have appeared.

Empires too attempt to ascend to heaven. Much like the wings Shawn Miller wished to construct, empires construct monuments and furnish entire civilizations to soar. Their ambition is aimed at undeniable success; an assurance of their place in history. Such confidence is bought in gold and built with marble and stone. It is paid for with the sweat and blood of human struggle.

It might appear that the only success granted empires is the success of conquest and acquisition. Indeed, this is certainly true in some way. But, it is even clearer that this demonstration of power is only a precursor to the real success actually pursued. To be loved by the world for what they gave, to be regarded by others in honour and esteem. Why else build monuments? They are not built for others to inherit. They are built as presentations to the world with the perception of others weighing in the balance. Is it not obvious to see how they foster confidence and both display and provoke success? Ground is broken and expenses paid because they assume their republic is everlasting. But they aren’t. Though it simply cannot be imagined otherwise, empires have a tendency to fall apart just as quickly as they have appeared.