GMAT Essays (AWA)

“There is only one definition of success — to be able to spend your life in your own way.”

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this definition of success? Support your position by using reasons and examples from your reading, your own experience, or your observation of others.

The statement above suggests that there is only one definition of success, and that is to be able to spend your life in your own way. While I cannot deny that some probably see the world in this way. In my view, there are so many different people in this world with different belief systems, culture, and values that a universal definition of success is unrealistic. However, since we as people live in a communal society, any definition of success must take into account society and morality as well.

First, success is defined by individual goals of individual people. For example, a single mother with several children would rebuke whoever told her that the only definition of success is to spend her life her own way. More likely, her definition of success is to see her children grow up healthy and have the same opportunities as everyone else. Moreover, Thomas Jefferson recognized when he penned the Constitution of the United States that each person has his or her own goals for happiness, it is for this reason that he defined the term 'pursuit of happiness' in this document, so that our pursuit of happiness as Americans is protected.

Second, it must be argued that society and morality are vital to any definition of success. People who intentionally hurt other people should not be deemed successful by any measure. For instance, Mr. Madoff lied to his investors for years and swindled billions of dollars from the public. By the author’s definition of success, before he was caught he enjoyed a great amount of personal freedom and would be considered very successful.

In conclusion, I disagree with the author’s definition of success. The pursuit of happiness means many different things to different people. However, we must protect the interest of the community when defining the meaning of success.