Welcome, aspiring thinkers and wordsmiths, to a journey into the heart of a truly inspiring poem. Today, we delve into Ralph Waldo Emerson’s profound contemplation on the essence of a meaningful existence, a piece that challenges conventional notions and invites us to redefine our understanding of achievement. Prepare to explore the depths of “What is Success,” a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers seeking wisdom and purpose.
What is Success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty and to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.
Unpacking “What is Success”: A Concise Summary
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “What is Success” is a concise yet powerful poem that offers a unique and enduring definition of success, moving far beyond material wealth or public acclaim. Penned by the influential American philosopher and poet, this work first appeared in The Complete Works in 1908, and its popularity has only grown due to its profound and accessible wisdom.
The poem opens with a direct, thought provoking question, “What is Success?”, immediately engaging the reader in a personal reflection. Emerson does not provide a singular, definitive answer. Instead, he presents a series of qualities, actions, and experiences that collectively define a truly successful life. His central idea is that genuine success is not merely about personal gain, but rather about cultivating inner joy, fostering meaningful relationships, demonstrating resilience, appreciating the world around us, and, most importantly, making a positive and lasting impact on others.
The major themes woven throughout “What is Success” revolve around personal fulfillment, the appreciation of beauty, and the well being of humanity. Emerson champions a philosophy where societal betterment, aesthetic appreciation, and bringing joy to others are integral components of a fulfilling and successful existence. It is a call to live a life of purpose, kindness, and positive influence, leaving the world a better place than one found it.
Exploring the Craft: Literary and Poetic Devices in “What is Success”
Emerson, a master of language, employs a range of literary and poetic devices to imbue “What is Success” with its profound meaning and memorable rhythm. Understanding these techniques enriches our appreciation of the poem’s artistry and its timeless message.
Anaphora: The Rhythmic Foundation
One of the most striking and effective devices in the poem is anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines. Emerson skillfully uses “To…” at the start of nearly every line, creating a powerful, cumulative effect:
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
This repetition builds momentum, emphasizes each component of success, and creates a rhythmic, almost meditative quality, guiding the reader through Emerson’s comprehensive definition.
Rhetorical Question: Inviting Contemplation
The poem begins with a powerful rhetorical question: “What is Success?”
What is Success?
Emerson does not expect a direct answer from the reader. Instead, he poses this question to immediately engage the audience, prompting deep personal reflection and setting the stage for his subsequent exploration of the concept.
Imagery: Painting Pictures of a Fulfilling Life
Imagery involves the use of vivid, descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating mental pictures for the reader. Emerson uses concrete images to illustrate abstract ideas of positive impact:
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
These images of growth, nurturing, and societal improvement make the concept of “leaving the world better” tangible and relatable, allowing readers to envision the practical applications of his philosophy.
Symbolism: Deeper Meanings in Everyday Elements
Symbolism is the use of objects, people, or ideas to represent something else. Within the poem, several elements carry symbolic weight:
- The “healthy child” symbolizes hope, the future, and the continuation of positive influence through generations.
- The “garden patch” represents growth, nurturing, and the tangible results of care and effort.
- “One life has breathed easier” symbolizes the profound and lasting impact of kindness and compassion on individual well being.
These symbols elevate the poem’s message, suggesting that success is found in both grand gestures and quiet acts of cultivation.
Extended Metaphor: Success as a Collection of Virtues
While not a single, explicit comparison, the entire poem functions as an extended metaphor. Success itself is not defined by a single object or idea, but rather by a series of actions, qualities, and experiences. Each line, beginning with “To…”, serves as a facet of this overarching metaphor, collectively building a comprehensive, multi faceted definition of what it means “to have succeeded.” The poem implicitly compares success to a mosaic of virtues and positive contributions.
Oxymoron: The Complexity of Relationships
An oxymoron combines contradictory terms to create a new meaning or emphasize a point. Emerson uses this device in the line:
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
The phrase “false friends” is an oxymoron, highlighting the painful paradox of those who appear to be allies but ultimately prove disloyal. This device underscores the complex and sometimes challenging nature of human relationships, suggesting that enduring such betrayals is also a mark of strength and success.
Personification: Life’s Responsive Nature
Personification attributes human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Emerson employs this subtly yet powerfully:
To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;
By suggesting that “life” itself can “breathe easier,” Emerson gives life a sense of agency and responsiveness. This personification emphasizes the profound, almost palpable relief and comfort that one’s positive actions can bring to another’s existence.
Alliteration: Enhancing Sound and Emphasis
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. While not heavily used, it adds a subtle musicality and emphasis:
To leave the world a bit better…
The repetition of the “b” sound draws attention to the idea of improvement, making the phrase more memorable.
Assonance: Vowel Harmony
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words that are close together. This device contributes to the poem’s musical quality:
To appreciate beauty and to find the best in others;
The recurring long “e” sound in “appreciate,” “beauty,” and “best” creates a subtle harmony, linking these concepts of aesthetic and moral appreciation.
Consonance: Consonant Repetition for Texture
Consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words, not just at the beginning. This adds texture and depth to the lines:
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
The repetition of the “t” sound, particularly in “respect,” “intelligent,” and “affection,” provides a subtle sonic reinforcement, connecting these ideas of earned regard.
Free Verse: Unfettered Expression
“What is Success” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This freedom allows Emerson to focus entirely on conveying his profound message in a natural, conversational, and unconstrained tone. The absence of rigid structure mirrors the expansive and inclusive nature of his definition of success, allowing the ideas to flow organically.
Stanza: A Unified Thought
The poem is presented as a single, continuous stanza. This structural choice reinforces the idea that all the listed components are interconnected and form one cohesive definition of success. There are no breaks, suggesting that these virtues are not isolated but rather integral parts of a unified, fulfilling life.
The Enduring Message of “What is Success”
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “What is Success” remains a powerful and relevant guide for anyone seeking to understand the true measure of a life well lived. Through his masterful use of literary and poetic devices, Emerson crafts a definition of success that transcends fleeting achievements and material gains. He invites us to look inward and outward, to find joy in simple pleasures, to build genuine connections, to face adversity with grace, and to dedicate ourselves to improving the world around us.
The poem’s timeless wisdom, particularly in lines such as:
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
…beautifully captures the essence of a life rich in genuine connection and positive influence. It reminds us that true success is not about accolades or possessions, but about fostering meaningful relationships and earning the sincere regard and love of others.
Ultimately, “What is Success” offers an inspiring message about the profound meaning of a fulfilling life. By carefully employing devices like anaphora, imagery, and symbolism, Emerson encourages us to reflect on our own values and to strive for a life characterized by kindness, compassion, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place for all.