Success and failure are to modern people what heaven and hell were to people in the Middle Ages. We think the greatest thing that can ever happen to us is to be successful, in the eyes of our peers, and the worst thing that can happen to us is to be deemed inadequate before our peers.
So our culture tells us, "Nothing matters except success. Win at all cost. Pay whatever price you have to pay, step on whomever you have to step on. Just get to the top. Happiness is at the top of the mountain."
Unfortunately, our culture lies to us. I know a lot of people who have climbed the ladder and reached the top. When they are up there they discover it's not what they thought it would be. It's hollow, empty, and lonely. There is no Camelot at the top of the mountain. Most of those that reach the top are filled with regret about the people on whom they stepped, injured, or were not present for.
Many things in life are more important than success.
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