The idea of success is one that goes as far back as the beginning of civilization. At first, success may have been viewed as surviving or creating a successful, healthy community. As the years passed and civilization evolved, the definition of success has evolved as well. Some view success as being as rich as possible; others may believe they are successful if they succeed in changing the life of someone else. As with many things in our world, success is subjective to one’s viewpoint. For me, and many people around the world, success is dependent upon happiness.
A 2011 documentary entitled "Happy" explored this very subject. Crossing oceans and borders, this Roko Belic production explored what is means to be happy. In one particularly moving segment, this film focuses on a day in the life of an Indian rickshaw driver. This man, who spends his days lugging people around for profit, claims to be happy. Despite his living conditions in the infamous slums of Calcutta, he is happy. Many people may view this man’s life and wonder, “How can he be happy?” He is, after all, unbelievably poor and living in deplorable conditions. So why is he so adamant that he is happy? There is one simple reason: his family. Despite the fact that he lives in a one-room shanty with his wife and son, this man is happy because of his family. From this man’s view, he is successful simply because he is happy.
In stark contrast to this simple view, the documentary also briefly focuses on the Japanese phenomenon known as Karōshi. Karōshi can be directly translated to "overworking death." In short, this phenomenon is death caused by overworking. In Japanese culture, work ethic is highly valued. To have a strong work ethic--even a work ethic strong enough to work yourself to death--is considered admirable by some. In fact, this concept has become so widespread in Japan that Karōshi is now widely considered to be an official cause of death. It is believed that this phenomenon arose from the devastation inflicted on Japan during World War II. In an attempt to overcome damage done, many began to over work in order to bring honor and value back to their nation. These people, many of whom died far before their time, wanted only for their nation to be happy, successful, and proud. As a result, the idea of success morphed into working overtime to the point of death. This pursuit, while admirable in its intentions, led to an increase in heart attacks and strokes among young people. As illustrated in the contrast between the Indian rickshaw driver and the victims of Karōshi, success is subjective.
Speaking as a lower middle class American, all I have ever wanted from life was to be happy. For me, happiness is success. I may never become a millionaire or own an ocean front home, but I will be happy. As with the rickshaw driver, my happiness will stem from my family. As long as I am surrounded by loving, supportive family members, I will be happy. Similar to the victims of Karōshi, my happiness and success will also stem from my job. While I have no intentions of working myself to death, I do hope to one day have a job where I am happy working overtime. I hope to find a career where I make a living doing something I love.
Success is subjective. Despite the differences in views there is one thing we can all agree on: happiness and success are dependent on one another. A man with very little in this world can be as happy--happier even--than the richest man in the world. Karōshi victims have emphasized the importance of happiness in one’s life. You can work as much as you like, but you will never be successful. You will never live a full life if you are not happy.
