Is True Success Active or Passive?

We often read or hear, "he achieved success" in such and such a year or upon completion of a project. Success seems to be viewed by many people as an end in itself. Once reached, some sort of cup or wreath is given to the victor, and they remain "successful" for all time. The term is, somewhat confusingly, applied in several types of situations. In baseball, a batter may be successful at a single time at bat, yet not be successful for the entire game or season. A politician runs a successful campaign when he or she is elected to the office which was sought. That same politician may run an unsuccessful campaign and yet be successful in bringing some important issue or issues to the attention of the electorate.

One last note. People such as Angelina Jolie and George Clooney are rich and famous because they live in a world of make-believe and produce make-believe pieces for people who live vicariously through their stories. However, it is possible that they will be more famed and admired for the steps they have taken to improve the world they live in than for what they have done in the world of entertainment. After allScience Articles, the next movie star can be discovered working at a soda fountain (they still have those?). The person who is going to change the world will have to work at it.