How does one define success in life?

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By Ramone Misfit on August 29, 2024

How does one define success in life?

Black cat and white cat watercolor

The day started like any other in Serene Town, with the sun peeking over the horizon, casting a soft, golden hue across the rooftops. Ghost and Boo, ever the early risers, were already awake and ready for another day of exploration. The gentle chirping of birds and the distant sound of the river set the perfect backdrop for what would soon become a day filled with deep thoughts and philosophical musings.

“Where should we go today?” Ghost asked as he stretched lazily on the windowsill, his sleek white fur catching the morning light.

Boo, already sitting by the door, his black fur a stark contrast to the soft glow of the morning, thought for a moment. “How about we just wander? No plans, just see where the day takes us.”

Ghost nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a plan. We can stop by some of the old landmarks and reflect on what the ancient philosophers might have thought about life in a town like this.”

With that, the two friends set off, their paws padding softly on the cobblestone streets. The town was just beginning to stir, with shopkeepers opening their doors and the smell of fresh bread wafting from the bakery.

Their first stop was the town square, a bustling place during the day but still relatively quiet in the early hours. In the center stood a grand statue of an unknown philosopher, a relic from centuries past, with a thoughtful expression and a scroll in hand.

“What do you think his life was like?” Boo asked, sitting at the base of the statue and looking up at the stone figure.

Ghost sat beside him, gazing at the statue. “He must have spent his days deep in thought, surrounded by scrolls and books, pondering the mysteries of life. Maybe he debated with others in this very square, discussing what it meant to live a good life.”

Boo’s yellow eyes flickered with curiosity. “Do you think he considered himself successful? I wonder what success meant to him.”

“Probably not wealth or fame,” Ghost mused. “For a philosopher, success might have been about wisdom, understanding, and living in accordance with one’s principles. Perhaps he measured his success by how much he could help others see the world more clearly.”

They sat in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts. The square began to fill with people going about their daily routines, and the sound of chatter and footsteps filled the air.

Deciding to move on, Ghost and Boo wandered through the narrow alleys of Serene Town, eventually finding themselves at the steps of one of the old libraries. The building, with its tall columns and grand entrance, had always fascinated them. Inside, the scent of aged paper and the soft rustle of pages filled the air—a sanctuary of knowledge.

As they roamed the aisles, Ghost paused in front of the philosophy section, running a paw along the spines of the books. “I wonder how many great minds have passed through here,” he said, his voice hushed in reverence.

Boo joined him, peering at the titles. “Imagine the countless hours spent in here, lost in thought, scribbling down ideas, and debating with friends. Do you think those ancient philosophers ever doubted themselves?”

“Probably,” Ghost replied. “But maybe they found comfort in the idea that their work was part of a larger conversation, one that would continue long after they were gone. Perhaps success for them was knowing that their ideas would live on, that they contributed something meaningful to the world.”

Black cat and white cat resting

They left the library with a sense of awe, their minds swirling with the thoughts of those who had come before them. The day was still young, and the town offered more to explore.

Their next destination was the old clock tower, a symbol of time’s relentless march forward. As they climbed the narrow spiral staircase to the top, they could feel the weight of history in each step. The view from the top was breathtaking, with the whole of Serene Town spread out below them.

“Time must have been a constant companion for those ancient thinkers,” Boo said, his voice thoughtful as he looked out over the town. “I wonder if they ever felt pressured by it, knowing that they only had so much time to figure things out, to make their mark.”

“Time is a tricky thing,” Ghost agreed. “It’s both a friend and a foe. It gives us the chance to grow and learn, but it also reminds us that nothing lasts forever. Maybe that’s why philosophers have always been so interested in what it means to live a good life. They knew that their time was limited, so they wanted to make sure they spent it wisely.”

They spent some time on the rooftops, taking in the scenery and discussing the nature of time before deciding to head to the outskirts of town. The Silver Forest was calling to them, a place where the ancient trees whispered secrets from the past and the air was thick with the scent of pine and earth.

As they entered the forest, the cool shade provided a welcome relief from the midday sun. The path was winding, with beams of sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

“I bet the ancient philosophers would have loved a place like this,” Boo said as they walked. “A quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle, where they could think without distraction.”

Ghost nodded, his blue eyes scanning the surroundings. “It’s easy to see why nature has always been a source of inspiration for philosophers. There’s something about being surrounded by the natural world that puts things into perspective. It makes you realize how small you are in the grand scheme of things, but also how connected you are to everything around you.”

They walked in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts, until they found a small clearing with a fallen log that made the perfect spot to rest. The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird.

“This is the perfect place to have that debate we’ve been putting off,” Ghost said, settling down on the log.

Boo sat beside him, his yellow eyes bright with anticipation. “You mean about success?”

Ghost nodded. “It’s a big question. How does one define success in life? Is it about wealth, happiness, making a difference, or something else entirely?”

Boo pondered the question for a moment. “I think it depends on the person. For some, success might mean achieving their goals—whether that’s building a career, raising a family, or creating something lasting. For others, it might be about finding inner peace or living in harmony with their values.”

“That’s true,” Ghost agreed. “But what happens when someone’s idea of success clashes with someone else’s? For example, one person might define success as amassing wealth and power, while another might see success as living a simple life focused on kindness and community. Can both be right, or is there a universal definition of success?”

Black cat and white cat on grass watercolor

Boo considered this. “Maybe success is more about how you feel about your life, rather than what you achieve. If you can look back on your life and feel content with the choices you made, then maybe that’s success.”

“But that raises another question,” Ghost said. “What if someone is content with choices that others see as harmful or selfish? Can someone who causes harm still consider themselves successful if they’re satisfied with their life?”

Boo frowned thoughtfully. “That’s a tough one. It seems like success should be about more than just personal satisfaction. There has to be some kind of ethical component, right? Like, part of being successful should be about how your actions affect others.”

Ghost nodded. “I think you’re right. Success shouldn’t just be about personal gain—it should also be about contributing something positive to the world. Maybe true success is a balance between personal fulfillment and making a difference in the lives of others.”

Boo smiled. “That sounds like a good definition. Success is about finding happiness and meaning in your own life, while also being mindful of the impact you have on others. It’s about living a life that you can be proud of, one that leaves the world a little better than you found it.”

They sat quietly for a while, letting the conversation sink in as they listened to the sounds of the forest around them. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow through the trees, and they knew it was time to start making their way back to town.

As they walked, they continued to discuss the different ways people might define success and how those definitions could shape their lives. The forest path led them back to the town’s edge, and soon they were once again walking the familiar streets of Serene Town.

The day had been long and full of thoughtful conversation, but as they neared the town square, Ghost and Boo felt a sense of contentment. They had spent the day exploring not just their town, but also the depths of their own thoughts and beliefs.

Before heading home, they decided to take one last moment to reflect on their day. They found a quiet spot near the Old Clock Tower and sat down on the grass, looking up at the sky as the stars began to appear.

“I’m grateful for today,” Ghost said softly. “For the conversations we had, the places we visited, and the ideas we explored. It’s days like this that remind me of the importance of thinking deeply about life.”

Boo nodded, his yellow eyes reflecting the starlight. “Me too, Ghost. I’m grateful for the chance to have deep philosophical discussions, to ponder what success really means, and for the realization that it’s not just about what we achieve, but how we live our lives.”

They sat in silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts, before finally getting up and heading back to their cozy homes. The night was cool and quiet, and the town was bathed in the soft glow of the moon.

As they walked, they felt a deep sense of peace—a feeling that they had not only explored the town, but also their own minds and hearts. And as they reached their homes, they knew that the conversations they had shared that day would stay with them for a long time, guiding them as they continued their journey through life.

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Ramone Misfit is my pen name as an author, writer, and musician. I write this blog with the goal to raise funds so that I can achieve freedom to play music every day! When you support me it helps me care for my family, cats, and it allows me to get closer to fulfilling my goal one day at a time. Thank you for visiting my site!

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