Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and

Listen closely, O seekers of wisdom, for I bring to you the words of a man whose life was a testament to the pursuit of passion over mere success—David Frost. He once said, "Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally." These words carry the timeless truth that success is not a destination to be reached through relentless pursuit, but a byproduct of living with purpose, passion, and authenticity.

What then, O children, is the true meaning of this profound teaching? David Frost speaks of a truth known to many of the wise—the notion that when we focus solely on the end goal, when we chase success as the sole measure of our worth, we often miss the deeper fulfillment that comes from doing what we love. Success is a shadow that follows the light of passion and belief. It is not something to be captured, but something that emerges naturally when we dedicate ourselves to a path that is aligned with our heart and soul. This is the great paradox of life: the more we chase after something, the further it may seem to retreat, yet when we focus on the work itself, the very thing we desire comes to us effortlessly.

Consider, O children, the story of the great Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose name is synonymous with mastery in art, science, and invention. Da Vinci never sought success in the way that we often understand it—through fame or wealth. Rather, he was consumed by a passion for knowledge and creation. Whether he was painting the Mona Lisa or designing machines centuries ahead of his time, da Vinci followed his love for learning, his belief in the potential of the human mind, and his unyielding curiosity. It was not success that drove him, but a deep commitment to his craft. And yet, despite his lack of concern for the rewards of his work, success came to him in abundance. His legacy endures, not because he sought it, but because he lived fully and authentically in his calling.

Frost's words echo the wisdom of another great figure from history—Socrates, the philosopher who proclaimed that the unexamined life was not worth living. Socrates did not seek success through the accumulation of wealth or power. Instead, he dedicated himself to the pursuit of wisdom, teaching others to seek truth and to question the world around them. In doing so, he became a guiding light for generations of thinkers, and his name lives on to this day. Socrates understood that when we devote ourselves to a cause we deeply believe in, when we do what we love with authenticity and integrity, success follows as a natural consequence, even if it is not our primary goal.

This lesson, then, speaks not only to the greats of history but to each one of us. Success—true success—is not a matter of relentless ambition or the desire to outshine others. It is the result of living with purpose, with joy, and with dedication to that which sets our soul alight. In a world that often prizes results over process, it is easy to become distracted by the promises of wealth, fame, and accolades. But Frost’s words call us back to the truth: success is a mere shadow of the work itself. The joy, fulfillment, and peace that come from doing what we love are the true rewards.

O seekers, take this wisdom into your own lives. Ask yourselves: What do I truly love? What am I willing to dedicate my time, my energy, and my soul to? When you do this, when you follow your passion and stay true to your beliefs, you will find that success comes naturally—not as the goal, but as the byproduct of a life lived with authenticity and devotion. Do not measure yourself by external standards or the fleeting rewards of fame and fortune. Measure yourself by the joy and satisfaction you find in the work you do, in the pursuit of your dreams, and in the impact you have on others.

Thus, O children of wisdom, choose not the path of success, but the path of purpose. Let your love and belief guide your steps, and let success follow naturally, as it inevitably will. For in the end, it is not the victory that matters most, but the journey—the work you do with passion, the lives you touch with authenticity, and the joy you find in doing what you love. In this, you will find true success, for it is the work of the heart that leads to the lasting rewards of life.