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.
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