Success, book review, by Nishanth Balaji

 Book Review: Success

By: Nishanth Balaji

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay Success is a profound reflection on what it means to truly achieve greatness in life. Written in his characteristic style, which blends poetic language with philosophical insights, the essay challenges conventional definitions of success. Rather than equating success with wealth, power, or social status, Emerson encourages his readers to consider deeper, more personal measures of success: self-reliance, personal growth, and the pursuit of inner happiness. For teens trying to navigate an increasingly competitive and pressure-filled world, Success offers a refreshing and empowering perspective.

What Does It Mean to Succeed?

At its core, Success is about redefining how we measure achievement. In today’s world, success is often equated with external markers like good grades, prestigious colleges, high-paying jobs, or social media recognition. However, Emerson urges us to look inward and question these standards. He believes that true success comes from within, from living a life of purpose, integrity, and inner satisfaction.

One of the most striking ideas in the essay is Emerson’s insistence that success should be measured not by how others view us, but by our own sense of accomplishment and personal growth. He writes about the importance of self-reliance—trusting in our own abilities and judgments rather than conforming to society’s expectations. This idea resonates especially with teens, who often face immense pressure to meet societal standards of success, whether it’s excelling in academics, sports, or social life. Emerson reminds us that these external pressures are fleeting, and what really matters is how we feel about our own journey.

As a teen myself, I’ve found it easy to get caught up in comparisons and external expectations. Emerson’s essay is a reminder that true success is not about meeting others’ expectations but about setting and achieving our own goals. It’s about finding meaning and fulfillment in what we do, no matter how unconventional or uncelebrated those achievements might be.

Success Through Personal Growth

Another major theme in Success is the idea that personal growth is the ultimate measure of success. Emerson emphasizes that life is about continual learning and self-improvement. Rather than focusing solely on achieving a specific end goal, he encourages us to view success as the process of becoming a better version of ourselves. Each step forward, each small victory, is a form of success.

This idea of constant growth is both comforting and empowering. For teens, the future often feels like a series of high-stakes decisions—college applications, career choices, relationships—that will determine the rest of our lives. But Emerson’s perspective helps take the pressure off these moments. Instead of viewing success as a fixed point in the future, he shows that success is something we can achieve every day through self-reflection, effort, and personal development.

I’ve found this perspective particularly helpful in my own life. Whether I’m working on a school project, practicing a sport, or trying to build stronger relationships, Emerson’s words remind me that success is not about reaching perfection or a specific outcome. It’s about the effort I put in and the lessons I learn along the way.

Challenging Conventional Ideas of Wealth and Fame

One of the most interesting aspects of Success is how Emerson critiques the conventional association of success with wealth and fame. In today’s society, these two concepts are often seen as the ultimate markers of achievement. However, Emerson argues that material success is superficial and often empty. He emphasizes that wealth and fame are external rewards that can easily be lost or become meaningless if they don’t align with one’s personal values.

This message feels especially relevant for today’s generation, where social media often glorifies fame, followers, and material wealth. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that success is about being seen and admired by others. But Emerson pushes us to dig deeper. He reminds us that true success isn’t about being rich or famous; it’s about leading a life that is rich in meaning and purpose.

For teens, this can be a challenging idea to embrace, especially when the world around us seems so focused on outward appearances and accomplishments. But Emerson’s essay serves as a reminder that there’s more to life than chasing recognition. Instead of striving for wealth and fame, we should be working towards creating a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with our true selves.

Success in Relationships and Contribution

Another significant theme in Emerson’s essay is the idea that success is not just about individual achievement, but also about how we contribute to the lives of others. He emphasizes that a truly successful person is one who positively impacts the world around them, whether through kindness, generosity, or simply being a good friend or family member.

In this way, success is not just about personal growth, but also about fostering meaningful relationships and giving back to the community. For teens, who are often in the process of forming lifelong friendships and developing a sense of social responsibility, this is an important lesson. Emerson’s idea of success encourages us to think beyond ourselves and consider how we can make a difference in the lives of others.

This theme has resonated with me in my own life. While it’s important to focus on my individual goals and achievements, Emerson’s essay has reminded me that success is also about the people around me. Whether it’s supporting a friend, contributing to a group project, or volunteering in my community, these acts of kindness and service are as much a part of success as any personal accomplishment.

Conclusion: A New Definition of Success

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Success offers a powerful and thoughtful redefinition of what it means to achieve greatness. Instead of measuring success by external markers like wealth, fame, or recognition, Emerson encourages us to look inward and focus on personal growth, self-reliance, and the positive impact we have on others. His essay challenges conventional ideas of success and offers a more meaningful, sustainable, and personal approach to achievement.

For teens, Success is a valuable reminder that we don’t have to conform to society’s expectations in order to be successful. Whether it’s through small daily victories, personal growth, or acts of kindness, we can find success on our own terms. Emerson’s words are a reminder that true success is not about reaching a specific goal or earning the approval of others—it’s about living a life that feels fulfilling, purposeful, and true to who we are.

Works Cited

Ralph Waldo Emerson. Success. Houghton, Mifflin and company, 1912.