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Two types of successes; choose yours || Acharya Prashant, with youth (2013)
Acharya Prashant
5K views
12 years ago
Success
Present Moment
Attention
Ignorance
Future
External Validation
Wisdom
Freedom
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that there are two primary ways to look at success. The first model, followed by the vast majority of the world, views success as something to be achieved in the future. This model is heavily dependent on external factors, such as situations and the evaluation of others. He argues that by chasing success in the future, one is essentially declaring themselves unsuccessful and inadequate in the present. This approach condemns an individual to a state of constant dissatisfaction and dependency on external validation. The second model of success is grounded firmly in the present moment. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that life only exists right now, and therefore, success must also be found in the present. This form of success is defined by one's attention, presence, and total immersion in whatever one is doing. It is independent of others' opinions or future outcomes. He defines failure or being a 'loser' as ignorance, which he describes as the capacity to ignore the life and presence that is happening right now. Success is the ability to fully participate in the 'grand carnival' of life in every moment. Addressing a popular quote about signatures turning into autographs, Acharya Prashant dismisses it as a sign of slavery to others' opinions. He warns that seeking recognition, applause, or respectability from the world makes one a slave to the world. True wisdom lies in the ability to discriminate between superficial popular sayings and actual truth. He concludes that happiness and success come from actions and words that arise from one's own understanding and intimate connection to the present, rather than from external accolades.