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 one life has breathed easier

because you have lived;

This is to have succeeded.

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not;

nothing is more common than

unsuccessful people with talent.

Genius will not;

unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not;

the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.