I think the problem is that people have a definite definition of what "success" means, and that is if a person has a lot of money then he is successful. Grisham and Kurien may be a success in the eyes of people but if they feel as if they did not use their full potential they might think that they are failures. The same thing with many people who earn a lot of money through work. Their neighbors and other outsiders might say they are successful, but they may actually feel that they should be doing something else.

I agree with Spiritalk. And I'd also like to add that failure is when you stop trying.

Success? No idea, never achieved it. So quotes are the only option. I find one quote very funny, though foolish.

"Success is relative - the more success, the more relatives."

I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs,but how high he bounces when he hits the bottom.

very well said srimathi You should feel good by it in the first place above all!

I suppose that the concept of success is conformity to a meaning-making story, of one's own choosing, about one's life.

My meaning-making story of choice is that my life is meaningful to the extent that it furthers the continued development of humanity. It may be the case that it is impossible to do otherwise, but it is easy enough to believe that we aren't having an effect. Since this definition of success allows for degrees, my story further stipulates that I enjoy the process by developing my skill set and pursue my avocational passions. I take my passion compass as an indicator of maximum impact as well as maximum joy.