SUCCESS

A poem by Elisabeth-Anne "Bessie" Anderson Stanley follows. It was written in 1904 as an entry into a contest held by Brown Book Magazine. She won $250 for her efforts and used it to pay off her mortgage. The first line has been quoted often. The poem is one of my favorites.





He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than he found it,
Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.