It would be interesting to read a study on the history, use, and meaning of the word or idea of “success.” In the enlightenment success was proving oneself or one’s theory as right, profitable, empirically verifiable, etc. I would think that the Greeks would have talked about the good life or eudaimonia, but I’m thinking of the average person living between the Classical and Renaissance eras.
I have doubts whether it’s wise to discuss relationships as successful or not. I don’t see the value. Even words like healthy, balanced, meaningful, deep, lasting, are all relative words in trying to describe relationships. Such words seem to do little other than to judge the relationships I currently have.
Peace, dwight
Evolution of Success
