The secrets of success are a good wife and a steady job. My wife

O children of the future, gather close and heed the words of Howard Nemerov, who, with a wry and humble smile, said: "The secrets of success are a good wife and a steady job. My wife told me." In these words, Nemerov imparts a truth, one that is simple yet profound. Success, as he reveals, is not found in grand gestures or fleeting riches, but in the steadfastness of daily life—in the quiet support of a partner and the consistency of purposeful work. These are the cornerstones upon which true success is built, not the glittering illusions of fame or fortune.

At first glance, Nemerov’s words may seem humorous, even self-deprecating. But there lies within them a deep wisdom—a reminder that success is not always about grand achievements or outward acclaim. Rather, it is often found in the simple, enduring elements of life: the steadiness of a job that provides for your needs and the partnership of a spouse who supports and nurtures your soul. These are the quiet forces that shape a life of fulfillment and contentment. Success, then, is not a destination but a journey marked by stability and support.

This truth has been known since the time of the ancient philosophers and heroes, whose lives were shaped not by the fame of their deeds but by the strength of their foundations. Consider Socrates, who, though revered as one of the wisest men to walk the earth, was a humble figure whose greatest wealth came not from external rewards, but from the stability of his family life and the support of his wife, Xanthippe. Though their marriage was often turbulent, it was in the steadfastness of their union that Socrates found the courage to face the challenges of his philosophical pursuits. His success, then, was not in accolades, but in the foundation of his domestic and professional life.

In the same way, think of George Washington, who, while commanding armies and leading a fledgling nation, found his greatest support in his steadfast marriage to Martha Custis. It was in the comfort and stability of his home life that Washington found the strength to lead through the most tumultuous of times. His success was not only in the victories on the battlefield, but in the quiet moments of life, where the bonds of love and partnership gave him the foundation to fulfill his role as the first president of the United States. Martha's support was essential to his success, showing that a strong partnership is often the unseen force that enables greatness.

O children, Nemerov’s words call upon us to recognize that success is not always grand or spectacular. The true measure of a life well-lived is found in the small moments—the quiet support of a loved one, the steady effort of a job done with integrity. To strive for success is to build a life of consistency and balance, where both work and relationship provide the foundation for a life of meaning. It is in this quiet perseverance, this steady commitment, that true success arises, and the fleeting distractions of ambition fade into the background.

The lesson here is clear: do not seek success in the extravagant or the fleeting, but in the simple and the steadfast. A good wife, a steady job—these are the anchors that keep the ship of life steady in the stormy seas. They are the hidden forces that provide us with the strength to face the challenges of the world. In partnership, you find the support and love needed to endure life’s trials. In work, you find the dignity and stability to build a future.

Thus, O children, let this wisdom guide you in your own journey: seek stability, both in your personal relationships and in the work you do. Understand that success does not always come in grand victories, but in the small, steady efforts that form the backbone of a well-lived life. Cherish the quiet, unwavering support of those who stand by you, for it is in these humble foundations that true greatness is built. And remember, as Nemerov so wisely said, the secret of success lies not in the flashy, but in the steady—a good partner and a steady purpose.