Kevin Kruse Blog

I’ve never posted poetry before but I just came across this poem on my desk, which is a favorite of my friend Eric. Thought it was worth sharing.

“Success”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.