Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." These words by Booker T. Washington speak to the very essence of true success, challenging the conventional belief that success is merely about achieving wealth, status, or power. Washington reframes success, urging us to measure it not by the final destination, but by the journey—the struggles, the sacrifices, and the resilience it takes to overcome the obstacles that life places in our path. In this view, success becomes a testament not to one’s privileges, but to their perseverance, and to their capacity to face adversity with courage and determination.

In the ancient world, success was often defined by one’s ability to conquer not just external lands or enemies, but internal struggles. The great philosophers of Greece—Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—understood that personal growth and virtue were the true markers of success. The Stoics believed that it was not wealth or power that made a man successful, but his ability to endure hardship with grace. Epictetus famously said, "Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." This idea aligns with Washington’s thought, suggesting that success is born from overcoming the inner obstacles—the temptations, the doubts, and the failures—that try to divert us from our path.

Washington’s own life provides a shining example of the very idea he espouses. Born into slavery, he faced unimaginable obstacles—lack of access to education, poverty, and the racial prejudice that defined much of the American South during his time. Yet, through sheer determination and a desire to learn, Washington rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected educators and leaders of his time. He did not simply attain a high position; he overcame the oppressive forces of his society, fought for his own freedom, and worked tirelessly to provide educational opportunities to other African Americans. His success was not defined by the position he held, but by the barriers he broke down along the way.

Consider the story of Nelson Mandela, another monumental figure whose life embodied Washington’s message. Mandela spent 27 years imprisoned under the brutal apartheid system of South Africa, yet he emerged from those years not broken, but with a deeper resolve to fight for equality, justice, and freedom for his people. His success was not about his presidency or his global recognition, but about the obstacles he overcame during his long years of incarceration. He triumphed over the forces of hatred and division through forgiveness, patience, and a vision of a united nation. Mandela’s journey is a powerful reminder that the true measure of success is not found in titles or wealth, but in the character forged in the fires of struggle.

Washington’s words also challenge the modern world’s obsession with immediate gratification and the idea that success should be quick and effortless. In our age of instant results—whether through social media, wealth accumulation, or personal fame—it is easy to forget that true success comes with hard work and sacrifice. The ancients understood that success was a journey, a long road traveled by those who were willing to suffer, to persevere, and to grow. The warriors, the philosophers, and the artists who shaped history did not rise to greatness without confronting the trials of life. Each obstacle they overcame added depth to their character and helped them discover their true purpose in the world.

The lesson from Washington’s quote is clear: success is not about how high you climb, but about how you rise after being knocked down. It is a reflection of your character, your resilience, and your ability to face the challenges that life throws at you with strength and determination. It is easy to judge success by external measures, but the true measure lies in how you overcome the internal and external barriers that seek to keep you from your purpose.

In our own lives, we must learn to embrace the obstacles that come our way, seeing them not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for growth. When faced with difficulties, we must remember that overcoming them is what truly defines our success. Let us not focus solely on the outcome, but on the journey, for it is the struggles we endure that shape us into the individuals we are meant to be. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to build our strength, our character, and our resilience. Like Washington, Mandela, and the ancients before them, let us measure success not by what we achieve, but by how we overcome.