The Meaning of Success

The meaning of success is a particularly important theme in the literature of wealthy and capitalistic societies, of which America is perhaps the world's most prominent example. In childhood, before success is measured by the attainment of riches, power, and fame, it is measured in school accomplishments. Athletic ability, high grades, good looks, and popularity are the measures of success in school. Students with none of these qualities have little chance of being considered successful, and might well be labeled nerds, geeks, or, as in Zinkoff's case, losers. This novel questions the validity of those measures of success, and offers an alternative definition. In so doing, it challenges basic assumptions that drive our society. In America, much lip service is given to the value of being kind and caring, but examples can be seen on all sides of people who achieve wealth, fame, and power...