insight - PersonalDevelopment - # Success

Luciano Floridi's Definition of Success (Notes to Myself)

Q: How might this definition of success apply to less tangible achievements, such as personal growth or relationships?

Floridi's definition of success as "perdurance" translates beautifully to less tangible achievements like personal growth and relationships. It moves away from the idea of success as a single, static achievement and instead frames it as a continuous process of resurrection and renewal. Personal growth in this context is not about reaching a fixed state of enlightenment, but about constantly revisiting and reaffirming our values, learning from our mistakes, and striving for improvement. Each time we fall short and then consciously choose to realign ourselves with our desired self, it's a testament to the "again" factor. We are, in essence, "reprinting" the best version of ourselves. Relationships, too, thrive on this principle. It's not about a single "unforgettable night," but about the willingness to choose each other, again and again. It's about navigating conflicts and emerging stronger, about rekindling the spark, and continuously investing in the connection. Each act of forgiveness, each shared moment of joy, each instance of choosing understanding over blame - these are the "reprints" that signify a successful relationship. In essence, applying Floridi's concept to these areas encourages us to view success not as a destination, but as a continuous journey of growth, connection, and reaffirmation.

Q: Could Floridi's emphasis on "perdurance" be interpreted as a form of validation-seeking, potentially hindering genuine personal fulfillment?

While Floridi emphasizes the "again" factor and "endless resuscitations" as hallmarks of success, his definition doesn't necessarily equate to validation-seeking. It's crucial to differentiate between external validation and the intrinsic desire for meaningful repetition. External validation relies on others' approval and recognition. It's about seeking affirmation for our accomplishments to feel worthy. This can indeed hinder personal fulfillment, as it makes our sense of self-worth contingent on external factors. Meaningful repetition, on the other hand, stems from an internal drive to recreate experiences that resonate with our core values and bring us genuine joy. It's about recognizing what truly matters to us and actively seeking to weave those elements into the fabric of our lives. Floridi's "perdurance" can be interpreted as aligning with the latter. The "again" he speaks of isn't about chasing fleeting applause, but about identifying what brings lasting satisfaction and consciously striving to experience it repeatedly. It's about recognizing the intrinsic value of certain pursuits or relationships and allowing them to be a recurring theme in our life's narrative. However, it's important to remain mindful of the potential pitfall of becoming overly reliant on external validation. If the desire for "again" stems solely from a need to please others or prove ourselves, it can indeed become a hindrance. The key is to ensure our pursuits are driven by an authentic desire for personal fulfillment, not just external recognition.

Q: If "again" is the hallmark of success, how do we navigate the balance between repetition and innovation in our pursuits?

Navigating the balance between repetition and innovation within the framework of "perdurance" is about recognizing that "again" doesn't necessarily mean "exactly the same." It's about finding the sweet spot between cherishing what resonates with us and remaining open to growth and evolution. Embracing the core: Identify the core elements of your pursuits that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment. These are the aspects worth striving for "again." For example, if a successful relationship is characterized by open communication and shared adventures, prioritize those elements in each "reprint" of your connection. Iteration, not replication: View each "again" as an opportunity for iteration, not mere replication. Just as a reprinted book might have a revised edition with minor improvements, allow your pursuits to evolve. Bring fresh perspectives, incorporate new knowledge, and adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to the core elements that define success for you. Mindful repetition: Engage in conscious repetition. Don't simply go through the motions. Each "again" should be a deliberate choice, infused with intention and mindfulness. This ensures that the repetition remains meaningful and doesn't devolve into a monotonous cycle. Openness to change: While "perdurance" emphasizes repetition, it shouldn't come at the cost of stifling innovation. Be open to exploring new avenues, experimenting with different approaches, and stepping outside your comfort zone. This ensures that your pursuits remain dynamic and fulfilling, preventing stagnation. Ultimately, achieving this balance is a continuous process of self-reflection and adaptation. It's about recognizing that the "again" of success is not about clinging to the past, but about carrying forward the essence of what truly matters while embracing the potential for growth and evolution.

Core Concepts

True success lies not in fleeting achievements but in the enduring impact that leads to continued relevance and appreciation.

Abstract

This short, reflective piece presents author Luciano Floridi's personal musings on the true meaning of success. He argues against equating success with mere longevity or endurance, instead proposing "perdurance" as a more apt descriptor.

Floridi employs a series of analogies to illustrate his point. He contrasts a poem written only once with one reread countless times, a book published once with a classic reprinted repeatedly, and a single purchase with the continuous repurchase of a beloved product. In each case, he highlights that true value lies in sustained relevance and demand, not a one-time occurrence.

He extends this analogy to experiences, contrasting a single "unforgettable night" with the desire for similar enjoyable nights. Floridi emphasizes that success isn't about clinging to the past but about the potential for repeated, positive experiences.

The author concludes by defining success not as immortality but as "endless resuscitations," emphasizing the cyclical nature of true achievement. The ability to be repeatedly appreciated and sought after, signified by the word "again," becomes the defining characteristic of success in Floridi's view.

Customize Summary

Rewrite with AI

Generate Citations

Translate Source

To Another Language

Generate MindMap

from source content

Visit Source

medium.com

Stats

Quotes

"Success is not immortality but endless resuscitations."
"The hallmark of success is “again”."

Key Insights Distilled From

On the hallmark of success (series: notes to myself)

by Luciano Flor... at medium.com 10-06-2024

https://medium.com/@lfloridi/on-the-hallmark-of-success-series-notes-to-myself-527d7f89a655

Deeper Inquiries

How might this definition of success apply to less tangible achievements, such as personal growth or relationships?

Floridi's definition of success as "perdurance" translates beautifully to less tangible achievements like personal growth and relationships.  It moves away from the idea of success as a single, static achievement and instead frames it as a continuous process of resurrection and renewal.

Personal growth in this context is not about reaching a fixed state of enlightenment, but about constantly revisiting and reaffirming our values, learning from our mistakes, and striving for improvement. Each time we fall short and then consciously choose to realign ourselves with our desired self, it's a testament to the "again" factor. We are, in essence, "reprinting" the best version of ourselves.

Relationships, too, thrive on this principle. It's not about a single "unforgettable night," but about the willingness to choose each other, again and again.  It's about navigating conflicts and emerging stronger, about rekindling the spark, and continuously investing in the connection. Each act of forgiveness, each shared moment of joy, each instance of choosing understanding over blame - these are the "reprints" that signify a successful relationship.
In essence, applying Floridi's concept to these areas encourages us to view success not as a destination, but as a continuous journey of growth, connection, and reaffirmation.

Could Floridi's emphasis on "perdurance" be interpreted as a form of validation-seeking, potentially hindering genuine personal fulfillment?

While Floridi emphasizes the "again" factor and "endless resuscitations" as hallmarks of success, his definition doesn't necessarily equate to validation-seeking. It's crucial to differentiate between external validation and the intrinsic desire for meaningful repetition.

External validation relies on others' approval and recognition. It's about seeking affirmation for our accomplishments to feel worthy. This can indeed hinder personal fulfillment, as it makes our sense of self-worth contingent on external factors.

Meaningful repetition, on the other hand, stems from an internal drive to recreate experiences that resonate with our core values and bring us genuine joy. It's about recognizing what truly matters to us and actively seeking to weave those elements into the fabric of our lives.
Floridi's "perdurance" can be interpreted as aligning with the latter. The "again" he speaks of isn't about chasing fleeting applause, but about identifying what brings lasting satisfaction and consciously striving to experience it repeatedly. It's about recognizing the intrinsic value of certain pursuits or relationships and allowing them to be a recurring theme in our life's narrative.
However, it's important to remain mindful of the potential pitfall of becoming overly reliant on external validation. If the desire for "again" stems solely from a need to please others or prove ourselves, it can indeed become a hindrance. The key is to ensure our pursuits are driven by an authentic desire for personal fulfillment, not just external recognition.

If "again" is the hallmark of success, how do we navigate the balance between repetition and innovation in our pursuits?

Navigating the balance between repetition and innovation within the framework of "perdurance" is about recognizing that "again" doesn't necessarily mean "exactly the same." It's about finding the sweet spot between cherishing what resonates with us and remaining open to growth and evolution.

Embracing the core: Identify the core elements of your pursuits that bring you genuine joy and fulfillment. These are the aspects worth striving for "again." For example, if a successful relationship is characterized by open communication and shared adventures, prioritize those elements in each "reprint" of your connection.

Iteration, not replication:  View each "again" as an opportunity for iteration, not mere replication. Just as a reprinted book might have a revised edition with minor improvements, allow your pursuits to evolve. Bring fresh perspectives, incorporate new knowledge, and adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to the core elements that define success for you.

Mindful repetition:  Engage in conscious repetition. Don't simply go through the motions. Each "again" should be a deliberate choice, infused with intention and mindfulness. This ensures that the repetition remains meaningful and doesn't devolve into a monotonous cycle.

Openness to change:  While "perdurance" emphasizes repetition, it shouldn't come at the cost of stifling innovation. Be open to exploring new avenues, experimenting with different approaches, and stepping outside your comfort zone. This ensures that your pursuits remain dynamic and fulfilling, preventing stagnation.
Ultimately, achieving this balance is a continuous process of self-reflection and adaptation. It's about recognizing that the "again" of success is not about clinging to the past, but about carrying forward the essence of what truly matters while embracing the potential for growth and evolution.