A Successful Failure-
I ponder the matter. “What is Success?” asks songwriter Allan Toussant. Good question. I’m the writer with nothing in print, photographer with no “likes,” drummer no one has heard of and bashful blogger. So, in the “virtual” sphere, a zero. Therefore Mr. Toussant, I may not have a useful answer. (Truth is I don’t care). Worse, I don’t need an answer.
How can I be a success when failure seems to define my endeavor? I go back to Allan’s question. What meaning lies in the words; “success” and “failure?”
If while getting my daily “steps,” I abide bitter wind on my face, a baleful winter air and extreme pain in the toe of my left foot, but still experience higher joy while walking, is the hike a success?
If I am astounded by the children, by the majesty of musical imagination. If I let the spell of masterful art stop time and if I have known the sincerity of friendship with the fulfillment of family harmony, what’s the verdict? What If these abstract riches are integrated daily? If I have intangible riches but lack “successful” money in the bank, have I only failed?
If I seek beauty in the world, minimize monetary pursuit and still survive comfortably, does the missing money matter? If my heart has been wrecked by love, then rescued by the same, and if I might have perished but survived, is that not success?
Is a career absent distinction merely wasted energy? I have to ask.
On Tuesday my answer may be, “You idiot. You play the fool. You are a disgrace. You need to make boatloads of money if you want respect. Your name must be known! The American way is the existential challenge of your lifetime. Hell, you might as well run off to Finland.
Then on Wednesday Finland sounds quite nice after all.
