Success is very ephemeral. You depend entirely on the desire of

“Success is very ephemeral. You depend entirely on the desire of others, which makes it difficult to relax.” Thus speaks Eva Green, an actress who has tasted the heights of renown and yet perceives the fleeting nature of worldly triumph. In these words lies a sobering wisdom: that what men call success is but a shadow, a delicate flame that flickers with the breath of others. It does not dwell within our grasp, for it is bound to the shifting tides of opinion, fashion, and desire. Therefore, to lean upon it is to lean upon a reed—it bends, it breaks, and it leaves the soul weary.

The origin of this truth rests in the nature of human glory. Men and women rise in fame not only by their labor, but by the recognition of others. An artist may pour heart and soul into a work, yet if the world turns its face away, the work remains unseen. Thus success, in its common form, is not self-sufficient—it is granted by the crowd, fragile as the applause that bestows it. Eva Green, having lived in the realm of performance, unveils this reality: one may strive greatly, but the measure of achievement is chained to the desires of others, and those desires are as fickle as the wind.

History is filled with examples of this fleeting ephemerality. Consider the tale of Vincent van Gogh, who painted with fire in his soul, yet died in obscurity, uncelebrated and unknown. Only after death did the world’s desire turn toward his canvases, and suddenly he was named a master. Yet what is this but proof that worldly success is not anchored in truth, but in the changing appetite of society? The same hand, the same art, judged worthless one day and priceless the next. So it is with all earthly crowns: they rest not upon eternal stone, but upon the fragile air of human opinion.

Yet this does not mean the pursuit of excellence is in vain. On the contrary, the lesson of this quote is that we must separate the essence of our work from the praise it may or may not receive. To tie one’s peace to the applause of others is to live enslaved. To create, to labor, to serve from the depths of one’s being, regardless of recognition—this is the path to freedom. For success, when defined only by desire of others, will always be restless. But fulfillment, born of inner devotion, cannot be stolen.

Let us look also at emperors and rulers. How many were hailed in their lifetimes as gods upon the earth, only to be forgotten, overthrown, or cursed by history? Alexander the Great, conqueror of nations, held the world in his grasp, yet his empire shattered within years of his death. His success, vast and shining, was also ephemeral—dependent on the loyalty and fear of men, which vanished like mist. Yet the humble philosopher, who leaves behind words of wisdom that strengthen hearts for centuries, may possess a legacy far more enduring, for it is not tied to the fleeting applause of the present moment.

The teaching is clear: do not seek to rest in the illusion of success as the world defines it. Instead, seek to rest in the strength of character, the love of your craft, the integrity of your effort. Desire may lift you up today and abandon you tomorrow. But if you anchor yourself in inner truth, then even when the world grows silent, you will stand unshaken.

Therefore, let each person take this path: work not for applause, but for purpose. Train your hands to skill, not for trophies, but for mastery. Let your joy be found in the act of creation, not merely in its reception. For applause fades, but the work remains. Success may be ephemeral, but meaning is eternal. And the one who learns this truth can walk calmly through the storms of praise and the deserts of neglect, carrying within themselves a peace no crowd can give, and no crowd can take away.