There are many ways of defining success. It is accurate to say that each of us has our own concept of success to the extent that each of us is responsible for setting our own goals and determining whether we have met these goals satisfactorily. Because each of us possesses unique differences in genetic ability and favorable environments in which to express these abilities, it is necessarily true that we must define success broadly.
For some people, simply being able to live their life with a minimum of misery and suffering is considered a success, Think of the peace of mind of the poor shepherd who tends his sheep, enjoys his frugal life with his family in the beauty of nature, and who is respected because he does a good job of achieving the goals expected of and accepted by him and his society. On the other hand, it seems that even though some people appear to be rich in material possessions, many of them seem to be miserable and consider themselves unsuccessful when judged by their own goals of success. Because not all ventures can be successful, one should not set unrealistic goals for achieving success, but if one has self-confidence it would be unfortunate to set one’s goals at too low a level of achievement.
A wise counselor once said to a young man who was experiencing frustration with his own professional success: “You do not have to set your goal to reach the moon in order to have success in traveling. Sometimes one can be very successful merely by taking a walk in the park, or riding the subway downtown,” The counselor added, “You have not really failed and spoiled your chances for success until you have been unsuccessful at something you really like, and to which you have given your best effort.’’
1. In the first paragraph, the author implies that（ ）are essential in achieving success.
2. The word “frugal’’（Line 2, Para. 2）means（ ）.
3. Some rich people consider themselves unsuccessful because（ ）.
4. The last paragraph implies that（ ）.
5. This passage mainly talks about（ ）.
