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Successful is a rather loaded term. Maximizing income and prestige is not inherently a great use of our limited time on earth.

I am not saying becoming an ascetic monk is a better or worse choice, just that people will try to maximize different things.

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Maybe success lies in being able to achieve your goals and realise your visions. If you decide to drop out and herd sheep, are you a good shepherd, or the laughing stock of the herding world?

Generally, we are rewarded with income and prestige when we did something valuable for society - so pursuing success isn't inherently shallow either.

So human rights lawyers are well paid and famous, unlike, say rap musicians?

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