“That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.”
This timeless quote, often attributed to Bessie Anderson Stanley, speaks to something deeper than status or money — it speaks to the kind of success that truly matters.
In America, We Love a Self-Made Man — But There’s More to the Story
We admire hard work, grit, and determination. From small towns to big cities, the American dream has long been defined by the man who builds something from nothing. But the older we get — especially after 40 or 50 — we begin to realize: real success isn’t just about climbing the ladder.
It’s about how we live. It’s about whether we’ve been present for the people who matter. Whether we’ve made time to laugh, to love, and to make memories that last longer than any paycheck.
Living Well Isn’t About Luxury
Living well doesn’t mean driving the newest truck or vacationing in the Bahamas. For many American men, especially those of us over 40, it means having peace of mind. It means knowing your family is safe. It means having a quiet evening on the porch with your wife of 30 or 40 years. It means your kids still call you, even when they don’t need anything.
Living well is about living honestly — doing your best, helping your neighbors, and sleeping soundly at night knowing you’ve treated people right.
Laughter Is the Medicine That Stays Free
You can’t buy laughter — and some of the richest moments in life come when you’re doubled over with your oldest friend, reminiscing about fishing trips, dumb bets, or grandkids’ antics.
If a man has laughter in his home, if there’s still joy in the kitchen or chuckles over morning coffee, then he’s made it.
Loving Much Is the Real Gold
To love much is to stay soft, even after life has hardened parts of you. It’s to forgive. To hold your grandchild like it’s the first time. To kiss your wife goodnight — even on days when you disagreed.
It’s easy to forget in a world that praises toughness: strength also looks like gentleness. Like choosing kindness over pride.
So What Makes a Man Truly Successful?
It’s not his stock portfolio. It’s not the square footage of his house.
It’s whether his children respect him. Whether his wife smiles when he walks into the room. Whether his dog still follows him around.
It’s about the legacy he leaves behind — not in dollar bills, but in warm memories, good stories, and the love he gave freely.
So here’s to the man who lived well, laughed often, and loved much.
If that’s you — or the man you’re becoming — then yes, you are a success.
