Emerson outlines the keys to success as laughing often, winning respect from intelligent people and affection from children, earning praise from honest critics while enduring betrayal, appreciating beauty, finding the best in others, giving of oneself, and leaving the world better through helping others in some way. Living with enthusiasm, exultation, and making life easier for at least one other person is considered true success by Emerson.

1. Emerson’s Thoughts On SUCCESS
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of
honest critics and endure
the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one's self;
To leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
and sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived —
This is to have succeeded.