“It is only the cynicism that is born of success that is penetrating and valid.”
Success means different things to different people, which is exactly the point. These quotes challenge conventional definitions and offer alternatives — because the version of success that actually makes you happy might not be the one on the magazine cover.
“If there's no fire, there's no scream. If there's no scream, then no one hears you and no one comes to help you in the first place. The depth of my struggle has definitely determined the height of my success. To be able to teach my kids not just about success but about the struggle that comes with it.”
“It is only the cynicism that is born of success that is penetrating and valid.”
“If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it.”
“So many stars lose their way, and with success become more neurotic, not less so.”
“But Big Oil and Big Coal have always been as skilled at propaganda as they are at mining and drilling. Like the tobacco industry before them, their success depends on keeping Americans stupid.”
“I suppose your security is your success and your key to success is your fine palate.”
“I wish I could just go tell all the young women I work with, all these fabulous women, 'Believe in yourself and negotiate for yourself. Own your own success.' I wish I could tell that to my daughter. But it's not that simple.”
“Well, success does not mean doing well.”
“Success should always be just beyond your grasp.”
“I've learned that success comes in a very prickly package. Whether you choose to accept it or not is up to you.”
“The whole secret to our success is being able to con ourselves into believing that we're going to change the world because statistically we are unlikely to do it.”
“Success is full of promise till one gets it, and then it seems like a nest from which the bird has flown.”
“America is the most grandiose experiment the world has seen, but, I am afraid, it is not going to be a success.”
“The one thing that makes me feel super lucky about my financial success is that I have a housekeeper.”
“I don't think success is harmful, as so many people say. Rather, I believe it indispensable to talent, if for nothing else than to increase the talent.”
“Success is about enjoying what you have and where you are, while pursuing achievable goals.”