Remember when I told you that there was this Thoreau quote that I just loved but I couldn't find it on the Internet? Well turns out it was Emerson. It is one of my favorite quotes about how we are all able to make an impact on the world and that success is best measured in the simplest of ways; and I guess if I had to pick I would want this on my tombstone*.
"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
So tell me this, what does it mean to have succeeded in your book?
*If you are baffled as to why I am being all macabre and talking about my tombstone, go here, it will make sense. So don't worry I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon ;)
10 comments:
Okay that quote: Amazing. Seriously it's exactly my life motto summed up in just a few sentences.
Having no regrets at the end of your life (not even about the bad stuff),that is success to me.
That's a great quote!! Love it! I would say, following your heart and being true to yourself.
Amazing quote! I love it! I'll have to copy that one down for future reference.
My singluar quest in life that will make me feel like I've arrived is to raise happy, well adjusted, kind, honest children. I try to be that example for them so we all win in the end.
My book will never end if I do my job right and my children pass along what I've taught them.
seriously what a great quote. that can definitely be added to my quote book.
i really love that quote.
I have loved this quote for so long! I actually have a magnet on my fridge with this quote - I've had it since college a few years ago.
Love that quote! It's so wonderful.
Love your blog! I have Emerson's quote posted in my office. For more inspiration, check out Maryanne Radmacher's online store (http://www.maryanneradmacher.com/cgi-bin/plugins/MivaEmpresas/miva?plugins/MivaMerchants/merchant.mvc). I discovered her writings in a shop along the coast in Oregon.
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