Success: Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained

There are different definitions of success including physical, financial, emotional, and mental success. However, the most essential thing is that success is important and it is an individual’s obligation to be successful. Irrespective of one’s race, culture, and economic status, a majority of the people concur that success is imperative to the prosperity of individuals, families, and society. Indeed, the survival of our families and society is pegged to today’s success or failure. People who disregard success are often disorganized or they have given up on their prospects of being successful. There is no definite formula explaining the path to success, as various people have used different means to achieve success. Success offers hope, sense of security, and confidence, as well as, the ability to lead and contribute to the welfare of the society. Without success, a person, families, organizations, and even an entire race can cease to exist, as was the case with the Romans and the Greeks who ceased to exist after they failed to sustain their success (Smith par. 1).

Success should never, be disregarded as something that is of less significance in human life. People have a different definition of success. For instance, in recent years, success has been defined by fame, respect, and money. The most famous and respected people across the globe are billionaires, artists, sportspersons, and leaders in the position of power. For example, in the United States, baseball and basketball players enjoy huge followings across the globe and earn huge amounts of money. Similarly, football players in the key leagues in Europe are highly paid and well known in the whole world. The president of the U.S. is among the most famous person in the world and commands huge respect from other leaders of the world; the same case applies to the Queen and the Chinese president. The United States is famed for its military prowess and applications of advanced war technology. Companies such as Apple and Samsung are global powerhouse owing to their financial might and use of cutting-edge technology when developing their products (Smith par.2).

The dictionary definition of success is attaining wealth, fame and respect, which makes it right in the present world where famous people are also wealthy. Rarely do we see persons who have succeeded in changing the lives of communities through the provision of health services or rescuing people from imminent danger being regarded as famous or successful. Indeed, the media portrays success in form of fame, respect and money. TV shows are dominated by movie actors while the Oscar Awards attract a sizeable world population audience. There are reality shows in which celebrities showcase their homes worth millions of dollars with inbuilt Jacuzzi, spas, and swimming pools among other accessories. They are also able to employ a sizable security detail to secure them. The celebrities’ pages in social media highlight their vehicles, houses, clothes, and glamorous places they have visited as they entertain their spouses or friends (Smith par. 3).

As a result, the definition of success has been distorted to appear that success is directly proportional to the amount of wealth controlled, the power wielded, fame and respect. Individuals who have made it in life but they have never appeared on TV or social media are regarded as less successful. Indeed, many strive to achieve the success level attained by the celebrities as displayed on TV and social media. There is a need to shift this definition of success as level and degree of success varies among human beings.   

Works cited

 Smith, Jacquelyn. Why one university is trying to get Merriam-Webster to change its definition of ‘success’. Business Insider, 26 Aug. 2015, https://www.businessinsider.com/a-university-is-trying-to-get-dictionary-to-edit-definition-of-success-2015-8?IR=T. Accessed 13 October 2018.