Essential Question: What Roles Do Success and Failure Play in the Pursuit of Living Well?

WHAT ROLES DO SUCCESS AND FAILURE PLAY IN THE PURSUIT OF LIVING WELL?

Society and media often lead us to believe that if we make the right choices in life, if we earn the highest marks in school, make lots of money, buy a big house in the “best” neighbourhood, and drive a shiny car, then happiness is certain.  We sometimes define success in terms of how much money, power, or status we have.  But what about the people who have these things and still aren’t happy?  What about the people who obtain wealth and fancy possessions too easily, or who have to sacrifice family, friends, or integrity to obtain them?  Could it be that living well means something more?  

What role does failure play in living well?  Could it be that failure is an essential building block to success and happiness?  Consider the possibility that failure helps develop courage, perseverance, and determination, and perhaps those qualities are necessary components of “living well.”  Consider how a person’s response to failure might determine future success.  Ask yourself whether a person can be considered successful if he or she achieves success in only one aspect of life.  Take the opportunity to watch this epic video on why we fail and what it takes to succeed.