Emerson's Success

Success
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

This poem is often credited to Ralph Emerson, but there is some controversy around it.

Anyway, Emerson is my inspirational poet/author for September. rwe.org has the complete works of Emerson for free.