Appraisal of Success

THERE are many in life who seem to discover a formula for success, according to their own time and circumstances. Some find it earlier, and some later_and in many different ways, some seemingly with little effort, and some at great cost. When success, so-called, is earned, we cannot help admiring the achievement of those to whom it comes, those who by determination and against difficulties accomplish what more timid men would hesitate to begin or, having begun, would faint or fail. But, like many desirable things in life, there can be too much, even of what we sometimes call success_especially if it comes too early or too easily_and especially if it outruns humility. Indeed, there are those who become so accustomed to success that their confidence may outstrip their judgment. Tragically also, when a man becomes too self-assured in success, he may sometimes fall into the common error of supposing that he is self-made. But no man achieves success alone. The best of artists must have an audience_and a teacher. The best of craftsmen must have clients and must have also the experience and knowledge and tools of those who have preceded them. And there can be no leader without followers. And for life itself, for nurturing care given at infancy, and for the accumulated knowledge of the ages, including our material and spiritual heritage, we can scarcely take credit unto ourselves. Of those who would do so it is written: “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things. . .” In short, success in life may easily turn sour, unless it is kept sweet by the proper mixture of humility, sincerity, and gratitude, for no man is successful alone.