"I wonder if life is ever lived well by anybody, if there is any one thing that might be called a success—except survival."

The essence of the quote is about the elusive nature of what we call success. It makes you think—does anyone really live their life perfectly? Is there any universally accepted measure of success other than just making it through each day?

Historically, people have grappled with this idea for ages. Think about the ancient philosophers who debated the meaning of a good life. Socrates, for example, was all about self-examination and living a virtuous life. But even he never claimed to have all the answers. This quote echoes that age-old question: what does it mean to truly live well?

Let’s bring this down to Earth with a real-life example. Imagine a high-powered executive, let’s call her Jane. Jane has everything we might traditionally associate with success: a great job, a fancy car, a big house. But Jane works 80-hour weeks and rarely sees her family. Stress is her constant companion. Is Jane's life well-lived? If the measure of success is having it all, maybe. But if success is about fulfillment and happiness, maybe not. Jane might just be surviving, not really living.

So how do we apply this wisdom in our own lives? The key is to redefine what success means to you personally. It’s not about ticking off boxes on a societal checklist. Think about what truly makes you happy and fulfilled. Maybe it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or helping others. Success is personal and subjective.

Now, let me tell you a story. Picture this: a man named Tom who works a modest job. Tom doesn’t earn a lot, but he loves his garden. Every day after work, he spends hours tending to his flowers and vegetables. Friends and neighbors often stop by to chat and admire his efforts. Tom finds immense joy and peace in these simple moments. One could argue he’s far more successful in living well than someone who’s constantly stressed but wealthier.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Don’t get caught up in the rat race. Ask yourself what really matters. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially with social media showing off everyone’s highlight reel. But remember, those snapshots don’t reveal the whole story. Focus on your own path and define success in a way that brings you true satisfaction.

In the end, maybe the only real success is making it through life with a sense of peace and contentment. It’s about surviving, yes, but also thriving in your own unique way. Life’s too short to live by someone else’s definition of success. So, take a step back, breathe, and figure out what living well means to you. That’s the real secret to a life well-lived.