At some point in most people’s lives comes a realization that the dreams of youth and more sober aspirations of early adulthood might never come to pass. A childhood fantasy to become a famous motion picture star, a teenage obsession to excel on the athletic field, or a young worker’s aspiration to be a millionaire, are among the hopes that remain a distant vision. But as years pass and illusions fade, each of us must come to terms with the success we achieve—or fail to accomplish. Success might be defined in different ways, such as gaining the respect of friends and relatives, attaining proficiency in the arts and sciences, or living a satisfying domestic life. However, in our culture the very word success denotes financial achievement. It is in this context that we shall evaluate whether you’re headed in the right direction. Read the rest of this entry »