Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Florence Amimo Osiema]

I think it's more of a fate, but a fate we can choose at that. Some people just never succeed no matter how much they try, and it's not their fault. Some weren't just built for whatever they are facing; for example, a small-bodied person in places that demand a lot of physical strength and body mass.

[Beatrice Mwangi 8]

Very true, but even laziness is a choice but do we know what choices are needed to be successful? Every wants to be successful without either working hard or being patient.

[Mercy119]

I agree that success is a choice. I've seen the impact in my own life when I've chosen to put in consistent work and unsurprisingly saw fruitful results. Of course, success means different things to different people, but many will use other reasons to justify why some people are stuck at the bottom.

[Mercy119]

I agree that success is a choice. I've seen the outcome when I've put in consistent effort and seen unsurprising results. Of course success means different things to different people, and I will say that anyone who's stuck at the bottom could get to a certain threshold (mentally, emotionally, financially) if they put in the work. Those who attribute success to luck often think that there's a linear path to success and because they've done "X" and haven't seen "Y" results they will conclude that the successful are just lucky. Meanwhile, the successful go above and beyond and employ contrarian thinking to achieve their goals. As someone who was stuck at the bottom for many years, I'll attest that choosing success uplifted me.

[Obiageli Udeh]

The statement "Success is a choice" encapsulates the idea that individuals have agency over their own destinies and can actively influence their outcomes through intentional actions, mindset, and behavior. While external factors and circumstances certainly play a role in one's journey, the choices individuals make—such as setting goals, taking initiative, persisting through challenges, and embracing opportunities—largely determine their trajectory toward success. Success often requires discipline, determination, and resilience in the face of obstacles. It involves making decisions that align with one's aspirations, values, and priorities, even when they require sacrifices or stepping out of one's comfort zone. Embracing a mindset of personal responsibility empowers individuals to take ownership of their actions and outcomes, fostering a sense of control and agency in shaping their lives. By recognizing the power of choice and actively pursuing paths that lead to growth and fulfillment, individuals can unlock their full potential and realize their aspirations.

[Jerry Williams 3]

The statement "Success is a choice, but those who don't choose it will often lie, including lying about what their real goal is, including lying to themselves with denial and self-delusion," resonates with me, as it emphasizes the active decision-making involved in achieving success. However, the question of luck's role in success remains. While luck can certainly play a part in certain opportunities or circumstances, ultimately, it's our choices and actions that determine our path to success. Luck may open doors, but it's up to us to walk through them and make the most of the opportunities presented.

[Christian Kay]

This is a powerful and thought-provoking perspective! The idea that success is a choice, and that luck is only a factor for those who aren't fully committed to their goals, is a challenging and inspiring message. It emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for our choices and actions, and not making excuses or blaming external circumstances.

The analogy of the cheating spouse is a great example of how this mindset plays out in real life. When we're not fully committed to our goals, we may define them in ways that allow us to maintain a sense of innocence or victimhood, rather than taking ownership of our choices.

The phrase "To try is to lie" is also a striking insight, suggesting that when we say we're "trying" to achieve something, we're often just making excuses for not fully committing to it.

Overall, this perspective encourages us to be honest with ourselves about our goals and our level of commitment to them. It reminds us that success is within our reach, if we're willing to choose it and put in the effort required to achieve it.

[Ambar Gill]

I think success is a choice. The greatest part about that is if I say I am successful right now, I am because success means different things to everybody. If my idea of success is to be truly happy in any given moment and I am that way now, then I am successful. I choose to be successful because I refuse to choose to be unhappy. However, I think we define success with outside achievements, there is nothing wrong with that, that can absolutely be your definition of success but I think it's amazing that we can choose to be successful right now. We can change the definition right now and be a success.

[Nancy004]

Your perspective on success being a matter of choice is interesting and has a lot of truth to it. Mindset, effort, and taking responsibility are definitely key parts of reaching our goals. However, I think it's also important to recognize that life isn't always that straightforward. External factors like socioeconomic status, health issues, or discrimination can create real obstacles that aren’t just a matter of willpower.

[Surabhi Rani]

Success is a choice. For me, it is an integrated thought, willpower, or resolution. Honesty is the keyword. Sincere effort leads to success in whatever we do. A true wish gets fulfilled in one's life. You have vividly explained the concept of success with examples. I find this a positive, extremely optimistic, and encouraging statement. I agree with you. Also, I am feeling transformed at the grassroots level.

[Kelvin Suraj]

Naturally I don't think this is always true. I think some people are just unlucky. When it comes to education success is definitely a choice. You have to choose a path that can lead you to success.

[Onuoha Joy]

There’s no excuse that is valid for being a failure. No matter your excuse someone had it far worse and still came out top. So I would agree that success is choice

[Edah Chemonges]

In "In It Together", page 203, it is emphasized that individuals have full control over their choices and that these choices directly impact their inner peace and spiritual freedom. By making conscious decisions that align with their true self, people can achieve success as they define it. I agree with this only to an extent.

[Edah Chemonges]

In "In It Together", page 203, it is emphasized that individuals have full control over their choices and that these choices directly impact their inner peace and spiritual freedom. By making conscious decisions that align with their true self, people can achieve success as they define it. I agree with this only to an extent.

To expound on this, there are people who are born in situations where they don't just have that choice. Yet, to someone who all the situation favour them, then indeed it becomes a choice.

[Adaolisa Okoye]

I think this goes both ways because one can be determined to succeed by being hardworking and even after so many trials, end up having nothing to show for it. While some can be determined and then after some trials, can end up succeeding. While some also don't need to work much to succeed. That is life.