Talking Point: How do you Judge Success?

4 Conversations

Bill Gates: the epitome of success?

They queue up in the driving rain believing they have what it takes: that elusive 'X' factor which will give meaning to their lives. But there's only one winner and so mass-heartbreak ensues. Some end up working in a bank, forever singing in the bath and dreaming of what 'could' have been.

On the other side of the country, the son of a poor farmer works the land, marries the local baker's daughter and feels forever content. He never dreamt of fame and fortune.

Two extremes; two outcomes. So, what we want to know this week is this: how would you judge a successful life?



  • Is it merely determined by your aspirations?




  • Can two people live near identical lives but one feels successful while the other 'knows' they're a failure?




  • Would you rather have love or money - or something entirely different?




  • Do most people go through phases of success and failure?




  • Are some people doomed to failure while others are born to win?




  • Do we as humans always have a tendency to use the wrong measures of success?




  • Can you feel good about your life while most other people would not, and vice versa?




  • Does surviving and passing on our genes constitute a success?




  • Does it really matter?


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