We may often assume that successful people have great character but may not be necessarily true always. There are many successful people in life, who may have achieved success in work, sports, cinema or other fields but may not be a role model for the next generation, in terms of their character. This is an important lesson in life that “Success does not define character in life”.

It is like the successful people may have achieved success in life by whatever means, but they may not have the character of a person, whom you may like to follow. We all know of many actors, sportspersons, business persons and corporate honchos, who have been successful in their respective fields but can never be a role model for the future generation.

It is important to remember ,that the real adorable people ,have a character ,much beyond their success. They are humble, grounded, always willing to give back more than they get from society and keen to share their knowledge and expertise ,with everyone around them.

I personally know of a father and daughter duo. Father was a civil servant and one of the most highly regarded and respected person. Even today , he is finding ways and means to give back to society. The daughter on the other hand is a highly qualified and successful Chief executive , of a multinational in the USA but is arrogant to the core and can never be a role model for the younger generation.

So, the simple lesson in life is that ,success never defines character. Our simplicity, honesty, integrity, behaviour and willingness to give back to society more than what we have benefited , defines our character. Successful people may not be remembered beyond their term or even their life but people with impeccable character live much beyond their life and are remembered for generations.

While all of us want to be successful in life, we need to remember that our character is , what defines us to society and not necessarily our success. I am not denying the fact the successful people may make an impact and make their presence felt ,through their success in whatever field they are in. But, others forget them sooner than later as success is not eternal, whilst character is.

If we recall our childhood, we always respected teachers, elders in the family or neighbours around us who treated us well and not necessarily the most successful people or the most qualified. Both education and success does not take us far ,unless character is embedded in us.

Let us focus on building our character more than making an impact as a successful person in whatever field ,we have chosen to excel. Success has to be embedded by the character, which the next generation will adore and not the other way around.

Let our character always precede our success in life.

S Ramesh Shankar

5th Jan 2025