Is success subjective?

[saysmydoctor]

No explanation, discuss.

[J.C.]

In terms of what constitutes having lived a successful life? Absolutely.

[theguy77]

it depends on the goals you have set, and whether the parameters of accomplishment of those goals are strictly defined or more perspective based. for example if you set out to raise at least 50,000 dollars but then only raise 20,000, you've failed. however, if a politician seeks to improve education, and says it as vaguely as that with no specific figures, even a slight improvement can be considered a success (albeit a mild one) in some eyes, while others may not consider it successful until it has completely revitalized and revamped education on a large scale.

so really, whether or not success is subjective depends on the nature of the goals and how vague/specific they are.

[Ava1anche]

Definitely is subjective. Some people define success as getting a high paying job and becoming rich. Others will define success as doing what they truly love, even if they don't become rich. Or being successful could mean having a family and a job. It all depends on the person.

For me, I will be successful when I have a job that I actually enjoy and have great friends and a family.

[saveferris]

Definitely is. Especially when people are put on a pedastool. It really depends. Obviously a homeless person wasn't very successful but, the person with the job might not neccesarily be either. If that makes any sense

[inthemidst]

Definitely is. Especially when people are put on a pedastool. It really depends. Obviously a homeless person wasn't very successful but, the person with the job might not neccesarily be either. If that makes any sense

Unless the homeless man's goal is to detach from the norms of society, then you could say he's successful.

I agree, success is definitely subjective. One person's success is determined usually by their joy regardless of personal circumstances. That's how you can tell if someone is personally successful; by how much joy they evoke, and how that reflects on others.

[caveBEAR]

Nope. We created 'management' to ensure that success wouldn't be subjective. When you are a manager at a pharmacy, now that's success.

[xshady121]

Duh.

[saveferris]

Unless the homeless man's goal is to detach from the norms of society, then you could say he's successful.

I agree, success is definitely subjective. One person's success is determined usually by their joy regardless of personal circumstances. That's how you can tell if someone is personally successful; by how much joy they evoke, and how that reflects on others.
On the surface the homeless man is not gonna look successful. I can make an assumption that the VP of a large company is successful but he may not be personally because he wants to be the president. I agree it's about personal goals and where someone wants to be versus where they are.

[inthemidst]

On the surface the homeless man is not gonna look successful. I can make an assumption that the VP of a large company is successful but he may not be personally because he wants to be the president. I agree it's about personal goals and where someone wants to be versus where they are.

Yeah, and Grizzly Adams had a beard!

[saysmydoctor]

Okay, a corollary: is it success when your success has hindered the ability of anyone else to succeed?

[xshady121]

Yes

[TribeTilInfnity]

Hard Work and Vision=Success

[J.C.]

Okay, a corollary: is it success when your success has hindered the ability of anyone else to succeed?

Certainly can be, like if you've won a tournament.

[saysmydoctor]

I'm not really questioning anyone's assertion at all--I think most of you bring up fair points. The real point of my question is the concept of a successful society--is it successful on empirical grounds (thriving economy, economic expansion, etc) or is it successful based on the sum of all its parts--is a society only successful when EVERYONE is succeeding at whatever they strive to do?

[Smash Adams]

I'm pretty sure a successful society according to the parameters that everyone must succeed will never exist

[davehennessy]

it depends on the goals you have set, and whether the parameters of accomplishment of those goals are strictly defined or more perspective based. for example if you set out to raise at least 50,000 dollars but then only raise 20,000, you've failed. however, if a politician seeks to improve education, and says it as vaguely as that with no specific figures, even a slight improvement can be considered a success (albeit a mild one) in some eyes, while others may not consider it successful until it has completely revitalized and revamped education on a large scale.

so really, whether or not success is subjective depends on the nature of the goals and how vague/specific they are.

this is right on

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Yes, of course. I know tons of bands that consider themselves successful because they're out on the road living the dreams, yet they have family and friends that think of them as failures for not pursuing a "real" career.

[Macbeth.]

mhm

[denissuxx]

Yes.

[rawesome]

Totally. Not sure how much can be said that hasn't already.

[jco3]

agreed with everyone. You all to me have given some very successful answers! YAY!!!!

[roughroads]

Success = Happiness
Happiness is subjective.

[Carlo Marx]

if you accomplish what you set out to do, then you're successful.

everyone sets their own goals, therefore, everyone's level of success is different. so yes, success is entirely subjective.

[Deadbolt23]

Success is objective, but it is individual.

The success of a guy who wants to raise a family can be measured, and so can the success of a guy who just wants to get rich.
It's based on the goals you set for yourself.

[loveisdead]

Did you ever read Satre's No Exit?

[caveBEAR]

Did you ever read Satre's No Exit?

No? What's that about?

[loveisdead]

No? What's that about?

It's a play about three people who go to a hotel room and are locked together for eternity. It's supposed to demonstrate that people are actually hell. There's some dialogue in there where they discuss what a successful life really means though.

[<*)))><]

Okay, a corollary: is it success when your success has hindered the ability of anyone else to succeed?
That is better success because the more of a failure they are the more successful you look.

[caveBEAR]

It's a play about three people who go to a hotel room and are locked together for eternity. It's supposed to demonstrate that people are actually hell. There's some dialogue in there where they discuss what a successful life really means though.

Sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

[<*)))><]

It's a play about three people who go to a hotel room and are locked together for eternity. It's supposed to demonstrate that people are actually hell. There's some dialogue in there where they discuss what a successful life really means though.
Or maybe they just don't like the hotel room, I sure don't.

[Echo Park]

yes it's subjective, just like looks, wealthy and poverty, and essay writing. I think i write well, lack money, and look handsome. But i'm told I write horrible, look disgusting, and have lots of money.
hmm

[loveisdead]

yes it's subjective, just like looks, wealthy and poverty, and essay writing. I think i write well, lack money, and look handsome. But i'm told I write horrible, look disgusting, and have lots of money.
hmm

Great post.

[Echo Park]

Great post.
Likewise.

[Rock]

I'm not really questioning anyone's assertion at all--I think most of you bring up fair points. The real point of my question is the concept of a successful society--is it successful on empirical grounds (thriving economy, economic expansion, etc) or is it successful based on the sum of all its parts--is a society only successful when EVERYONE is succeeding at whatever they strive to do?

I'm pretty sure a successful society according to the parameters that everyone must succeed will never exist
Exactly.

[acemvivere]

While one person is rejoicing in their success, another person is crying about their failures.

The question isn't whether success is subjective, but whether contentment is.

[x togepi x]

Success is objective, but it is individual.

The success of a guy who wants to raise a family can be measured, and so can the success of a guy who just wants to get rich.
It's based on the goals you set for yourself.

if you're setting the goals that define success then it's inherently subjective.

People rarely set out objective definitions for what they consider success. I mean, yeah, if I said "i want a job that pays six figures" and but then never got anything other than a minimum wage job then you'd be right. But often people say things like "i want a good job", where the definition of good is dependent on all sorts of factors which are tied to the individual and can change based on the context.

[saysmydoctor]

if you're setting the goals that define success then it's inherently subjective.

People rarely set out objective definitions for what they consider success. I mean, yeah, if I said "i want a job that pays six figures" and but then never got anything other than a minimum wage job then you'd be right. But often people say things like "i want a good job", where the definition of good is dependent on all sorts of factors which are tied to the individual and can change based on the context.
You found the words that I couldn't. I agree with this.

[Two Headed Girl]

Completely. A stupid person considers a C on a paper a success, a smart person considers an A- on a paper a failure.