To laugh often and much 
to win respect 
of intelligent people 
and the affection of children; 

to earn 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. 

That is to succeed. 

-Ralph Waldo Emerson