Saturday morning trancendalism

There are a few versions of this poem with a few difference provenances.

This variant, most often attributed to Emerson, has been the one of most inspiration to me. It matters less who actually wrote the original, it's meaning is pertinent for me. Today. In this time and in this life.

Success

To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.


Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803-1882)