Oracle of Consciousness

What is Success?

silhouette photo of man on cliff during sunset

When I was 26 years of age and wet behind the ears (I still am 51 years later), a wise teacher asked me how I measured success.

I contemplated the question momentarily and confidently professed that:

"Success is measured by ones accumulation of wealth, material comforts and how far one had clambered up the
corporate ladder."

Do you see how wet behind the ears I was?

Unwavering, my teacher then questioned me about the relationship between my idea of success and happiness.

To which I 'all-knowingly' replied:

"Well I guess money can't buy you happiness,
but neither can poverty!"

Photo by Andre Halim on Unsplash

Clearly I was in
for a surprise!

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His answer to my question as to how he measured success, shook me to the core, and has remained with me as my stable datum to this day.

'Success, he said, "is measured by the warmth of a person's heart!"

Yes, that is it!

Simple, profound and readily recognisable in oneself and others.

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Think about that statement for a moment,
'The warmth of a person's heart.'

black and silver jeep grand cherokee parked on green grass field during daytime

Photo by Martin Katler on Unsplash

Ultra Wealthy

We have seen or heard about hugely 'successful' people having amassed a fortune, living in absolute luxury, being fawned over by millions of followers, but somehow don't exude a lot of warmth, once the cameras are turned off.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Abject Poverty

On the other hand, it is estimated some 735million people live in extreme poverty and I don't imagine for one moment that
their lives are filled with endless
happiness and joy!

Photo by Vishnu Nishad on Unsplash

Middle Ground

Having resided in developing countries in Asia and Africa for over twenty seven years, I have witnessed genuinely happy people that live simple, modest but
fulfilling lives.