Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WHAT IS SUCCESS? by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: TO LAUGH OFTEN AND LOVE MUCH, TO WIN
Last Line: THIS IS TO HAVE SUCCEEDED
Subject(s): LIFE CHANGE EVENTS;
To laugh often and love much;
to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;
to earn the approbation of honest citizens 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.






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