The Successful Life
To laugh often and love much.
To win and hold the respect of intelligent
persons and the affection of little children.
To earn the approval of honest critics and
to endure without flinching the betrayal of
false friends.
To appreciate beauty always, whether in
earth's creations or men and women's
handiwork.
To have sought for and found the best in
others, and to have given it oneself.
To leave the world better than one found
it, whether by nurturing a child or a garden
patch, writing a cheery letter, or working to
redeem some social condition.
To have played with enthusiasm, laughed
with exuberance, and sung with exultation;
to go down to dust and dreams knowing
that the world is a little bit better, and that
even a single life breathes easier because we
have lived well, that is to have succeeded."
-- Harry Emerson Fosdick