true success is a movement into invisibility
June 26th, 2009
“We think success means being so good or so great that no one can do without us, yet a successful scholar is one whose work continues in his students long after he retires, and a successful entrepreneur is one whose company chugs merrily along while he’s taking a holiday on the beach. A successful parent is one who, eventually, doesn’t have to be there.
“Success is a movement into invisibility. Success is decreasing so that others may increase. Success is a seed dying in the ground and bearing fruit upwards. Success is becoming dispensable. The successful man is the one who will not be missed.”
—Peter J. Leithart, in the June 2009 Touchstone Magazine
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Great quote.
Thanks for reminding me that I’m a failure. Ha ha. Just kidding.
So good, I’m gonna stick it on the fridge. Thanks!
I think I just had one of those Oprah “a-ha” moments, lol. Awesome quote! I think I’ll have to read it a couple time a day to remember, thanks.
LOVE THAT! It’s so easy to forget…but really, the most valuable people I’ve ever worked with have been the ones who weren’t afraid to delegate responsibilities, share knowledge and who weren’t afraid to do so at the risk of losing power or status.
thanks for sharing that, beautiful and thought-provoking.
Hi Bethany – I love your site and beautiful family! I follow Bridgette over at the Roman Sock and found you – so glad I did. I’ll definitely be stopping back by. I’m still trying to absorb that quote … makes sense in a lot of ways.
what a great quote. and so true. i also think it sums up parenting in a nutshell.
p.s. thank you for being so kind to me lately. i so appreciate all your positive words and encouragement. it means the world to me.
Wow. Love it.
Wow… I needed that! Thanks for sharing!
Great stuff. Blogged this.