Top 7 Essays on the Quote "Success and happiness depend on our choices or on random luck"

In life, there are two things that everyone desires to achieve: success and happiness. People often wonder about the relationship between the two.

There are various definitions of success and happiness, but ultimately, they are some of the most wonderful feelings one can experience in life. Success is understood as the accomplishment or achievement of one or more goals. Happiness, on the other hand, is an important life value, an emotional state when a certain need, often abstract, is fulfilled. These two things, which everyone wishes to obtain, are intricately linked to each other. Firstly, can success lead to happiness? Success is one of the paths that lead us to happiness. Many people believe that completing something, simply put, brings happiness. However, success and happiness cannot be equated. Some successful and famous people still suffer from pain or depression... And conversely, does happiness mean success? For some people, perhaps those who lead simpler lives, this is entirely true. When you have a positive attitude and find happiness in life and work, the path to success becomes a path of happiness. For those who are perfectionists, they expect much more from the term "happiness".

Therefore, everyone needs to form a proper perspective on the value of success and happiness. These two elements go hand in hand, and neither should be overestimated or underestimated. Only then can a person both succeed and live a happy life.

Every day, people search for happiness and success in life. They seek it everywhere and at all times. But what exactly are happiness and success that people strive so hard for?

The theme of "happiness and success" has always been one of the most talked-about topics in television programs, literary forums, and even in conversations between friends, where "happiness and success" are frequently discussed.

When discussing the relationship between happiness and success, I wonder: could it be that success is one of the forms of happiness, something that people always aim for? Does achieving success bring more happiness? But the reality is not always so.

From what I've witnessed in the world around me, from stories in the media and from friends, I realize that happiness and success do not always go hand in hand. To prove this, we can look at many different aspects, with countless examples that illustrate each perspective, for life is full of variety. Let me give a specific example. Not long ago, I heard a story from a cousin. He told me about a business partner, a wealthy businessman who owned a large company, married to a beautiful woman – a model – living a luxurious life with a position many people dream of, and a wife that everyone desired. Is he happy? I’m sure that anyone looking at him would say he is a happy person. However, it wasn’t that simple. His happiness was found with a different woman, not beautiful in the conventional sense, if anything, she was unattractive – a woman working as a cook. Many were surprised by his choice, but his explanation left everyone stunned. He said that he wanted a family where, when he returned home, he could find a simple meal cooked by his kind wife and have meaningful conversations after long hours at work, rather than a glamorous wife spending her days at spas and shopping, only seen once a week. He wanted to spend more time with his wife than with the household staff.

So, success does not always accompany happiness. But what about happiness? Is it a companion to success? It’s hard to draw a clear line between happiness and success, no one can say which comes first. Friends often tell me to be content with what I have, to accept things as they are, but does that mean I am successful? And if I am not successful, how could I possibly feel happiness? If someone asked you to define happiness, I’m sure there would be countless definitions, some claiming that "happiness is standing at the pinnacle of glory." But I know what happiness means to me. To me, the definition of happiness is quite vague and abstract; it’s not something we seek out, but something we come to understand. Perhaps it’s the small things in life that we often overlook, and at some unexpected moment, we realize and appreciate them. For me, happiness is when I am joyful, and when I see my loved ones, my friends, and those around me happy. It’s when I see my family healthy and always by my side, when my soul is at peace with noble thoughts, and when I am pursuing simple dreams every day… Perhaps these things are so simple that many do not think of them as happiness. The truth is, happiness is not something grand. If we keep searching for something grand, it would be a waste. My mother is a farmer, but I believe she is both successful and happy in life. She succeeds as a wife, mother, and homemaker. She takes care of her children, supports her husband, and her happiness is seeing our home peaceful and watching us grow into good people.

"Happiness" and "success" are two aspects of life, with happiness being intangible and success being tangible. As I often say: "I can see your success, but I can’t know if you are happy. Only you can feel your own happiness; I cannot judge it for you." Happiness is a relative concept.

The concept of success in today's world is often tied to financial value. Society teaches us from a young age that if we work hard and put in effort, we will succeed, and once we achieve success, we will be happy. This one-sided view has become deeply ingrained in the minds of many generations.

Schools try to teach us how to succeed, but they never teach us what happiness truly is, why happiness is essential for every individual, and how to live a happy life. The reality is that every person, regardless of nationality, carries within them the deep desire to live a happy life.

"I must work hard, endure challenges, and then, when I succeed, I will be happy." But with every success that arrives, the joy quickly fades, replaced by higher goals: "I must succeed more to be truly happy." Have you ever heard that voice in your head?

Society continuously bombards us with messages that happiness is the reward at the highest level, and success is the measure of happiness. In reality, happiness is never at the end of the journey or a product of success. Instead, success is merely one part of the goals in a life filled with happiness.

Of course, it’s not that simply doing enjoyable things like watching movies, traveling, or having a good time with friends will automatically bring happiness and success. Happiness is different from satisfying material needs and short-term pleasures. Happiness is a mental state, an attitude toward life.

To achieve happiness, like everything else in life, requires a process of cultivating positive habits and attitudes. You will never meet someone who has a consistently negative mindset and also leads a happy life, even if they have every material possession. Once you adopt a positive attitude, find happiness in both life and work, the path to success will naturally become a path of happiness. This doesn’t mean the path will be easier or shorter; it simply means it will be more joyful.

Which path do you choose? One where you live in frustration, pursuing fleeting and sometimes false pleasures, striving to overcome difficulties and challenges just to reach the goal of success. All the while, you gradually waste your precious time, something money can never buy back.

Or, living an optimistic life, striving to overcome challenges with true joy and a peaceful heart. By the time you reach the end of that journey, haven’t you gained both happiness and success?

Rather than waiting until all other tasks are completed before thinking about happiness, consider happiness while doing anything in your life.

In today’s fast-paced life, it’s difficult to achieve everything you want and still feel a balanced, peaceful life. But when you believe that “I can live happier!” everything becomes possible. Keep that thought in your mind often. Each day, make small changes in yourself and your surroundings to move toward a happier life. That thought is the first step in your journey toward happiness.

For many, success is measured by material wealth, by the outcome or evaluation of an action. To achieve success, many people spare no effort or expense, even resorting to bribery to further their own interests. Little do they know, they are slowly killing themselves in the process. Success, in its simplest form, can be defined as: "Success is the happiness of everyone."

What greater success is there than the day a mother gives birth, after nine months of carrying and enduring the pain? That success is reflected in the mother’s face, in the loving caress of the father’s hands. The parents are overjoyed because today, their family has grown by one more member – their child. The child is the result of their success in love.

The greatest happiness for a mother comes when she sees her child proudly wearing a new school uniform. When the child takes their first step into first grade, the happiness belongs to the entire family. The parents rejoice because their child will make new friends, while the child feels joy in discovering a second home – their school. Every time the child returns home with glowing grades, it is a sign that the mother feels she has achieved another success on her journey of raising her child to be a good person.

The child happily shares with their mother the school’s charity project in grade six. The child proudly tells how they gave their favorite clothes to another child in need. The mother is surprised because, until now, the child had never been willing to share their cherished possessions. But mother, I’ve grown up! The child just wanted to bring joy to their new friend. The friend has no mother, mother! Their family is poor. When we visited, it was very cold, but the friend was only wearing a thin shirt. I gave them my beautiful clothes, hoping it would make them feel happier. Because you always taught me, success is happiness!

Sometimes, success is seeing the smile on someone's face, the joyful, heartfelt look in their eyes. I’ve seen my father smile when his football team won the championship. The coach’s success is seen in the talented players, the strong, united team. Father welcomed that joy with the heart of a passionate fan, eagerly awaiting the success he had always hoped for.

Success is not as hard to find as many believe. Success is the happiness of everyone. Everyone experiences success in their own way, but what could be more delightful than seeing that happiness multiplied and shared with everyone? The charity event "For the Poor" is a fundraiser, but it is a success. This grand success was made possible by the collective efforts of the entire nation, coming together to help those in need. And that success brought many families the opportunity to celebrate a warmer, happier Tet holiday.

It is truly amazing. Success is a spiritual value that exists around us. How can we achieve success? Simply live with joy and happiness. Open your heart. Success will never abandon you if you cherish it. Valuing success is also when you begin to appreciate the happiness of others.

Life is not like a story where the beginning and end are already known. It is far more complex and fascinating. Life is like musical notes played on a piano, with sharp and flat notes, and happiness is the beautiful, uplifting note, or the bright hue in the grand picture of the melody of our fate. So, what exactly is happiness?

Perhaps each person asks themselves this question, and each one has their own understanding of happiness. But we all know that happiness is the feeling of joy and satisfaction we experience when something in life makes us content. Is happiness something tangible or intangible that we endlessly seek to achieve?

Everyone has their own answer, but for many, happiness sometimes comes from the simplest things – like waking up each morning knowing we’re still alive. Happiness isn't always found far away; it’s right in front of us. It’s the warmth of having both parents by your side, the comfort of sitting down to a meal together as a family. Yet, happiness isn't just about smiles and laughter. It’s also found in tears – the tears of a mother overwhelmed with joy when she sees her child born healthy and strong, or the touching moment when a child surprises their mother with a birthday gift they made themselves.

There are countless definitions of happiness, but how can we achieve it? That is the question we often ponder. Happiness doesn’t depend on external circumstances; it’s our mindset that controls it. Indeed, you hold the key to happiness – no one else. Obstacles to happiness often arise from unrealistic expectations. Happiness is not tied to selfishness; you will never find it if you only seek happiness for yourself.

True happiness lies in living for others. Therefore, share your joy with others, because sharing sorrow halves it, while sharing happiness doubles it. Yet, the thin line between happiness and arrogance can sometimes be hard to see. Sometimes, in our immersion in happiness, we forget the practical realities around us. At times, we might overlook the true value of happiness, becoming too focused on distant desires. That’s why we must learn to appreciate what we have now – the simple joys that, once lost, can never be reclaimed.

Therefore, we must learn to stop at the right moment, to transform happiness into motivation, guiding us to live with purpose and optimism. I am confident that success and happiness lie within you. If you decide to pursue happiness, joy will accompany you, forming an invincible army to fight against adversity.

Every person is born with the gift of life and only lives one life. No one can predict the future, so it is up to us to create a beautiful future by living well and with joy – what we call happiness.

So, what is happiness? Happiness is a way of thinking and living that generates positive emotions when we receive something from loved ones, family, friends, or even from small, warm actions by strangers. It is also the feeling we get when we achieve something in our work, or when we are content with what we have and what we’ve accomplished.

A happy person is someone with a warm and loving way of life, who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring happiness to themselves and their loved ones, and someone who does not create unnecessary pressure on themselves, nor succumb to pessimism.

We all need a mindset and way of living that fosters happiness, especially in today’s complex and busy society. When we are happy, we can appreciate the deeper meanings of life, even in the smallest of things. Our souls and spirits become peaceful, calm, and at ease. It is only when we are immersed in happiness that the burdens, fatigue, and frustrations of life temporarily fade away.

Happiness also contributes to a healthy body, full of vitality, and a refreshed mind. When you fill your life with positive “vitamins” and eliminate the harmful effects of stress and anxiety, your well-being improves.

Achieving happiness is closely linked with living beautifully in other ways – living responsibly, with willpower and determination, having ideals, being warm and friendly with the environment and nature, and constantly striving for self-improvement to succeed and earn respect from others, building good relationships with people around us.

For society, happiness creates a community that is both materially and spiritually civilized, filled with love between individuals, and respect for all living beings – animals and plants alike. It is a society that cherishes what is sacred and valuable, one that faces challenges together, sharing and striving to overcome them.

Happiness is not something distant or abstract; it appears right in our daily lives, whether in Vietnam or in other countries such as Finland – the happiest country in the world. While Finland may not be the wealthiest nation, what stands out is the trust and affection the Finnish people have for their government and each other, whether native or immigrant. They live harmoniously, with a lifestyle that is free and generous.

It is particularly proud that Vietnam ranks 5th globally and second in Asia for happiness. Despite facing many challenges in the process of modernization and progress, the spirit of the Vietnamese people remains strong, united, and supportive of one another.

This spirit can be seen in the U23 Vietnam team during the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship. Despite low expectations for their success, the U23 team, with their national spirit, unity, and solidarity, achieved miraculous feats and claimed the runner-up position, an unprecedented accomplishment in Vietnamese football.

Happiness brings so many benefits, yet in today’s fast-paced society, people often live in a rush, focused on work, sometimes neglecting family and loved ones. They may work hard for their families but fail to experience or recognize the happiness that should come with it.

On the other hand, some people live in sorrow and despair, losing faith in life. They may not understand what happiness is or why they should seek it. This could be due to a lack of family affection, growing up in emotional neglect, or being betrayed by loved ones, leading to the loss of happiness.

However, true happiness is not about stepping on others to satisfy your own needs, or focusing only on your happiness while disregarding the happiness of others. Those who are selfish in this way, while achieving their own happiness, fail to earn the love and respect of those around them, and will not find true success.

So, what should we do to live happily? To live happily, you can turn to books during times of sadness or fatigue. Books provide comfort and empathy, offering motivation and faith in the path you’ve chosen. Or start with the small things, like showing affection to your family through words or simple actions, such as sharing and helping with household chores.

Happiness is simple. It doesn’t require extravagance or complexity, yet it can be found in the simplest of things. Therefore, appreciate the happiness you have right now, don’t lose it or the sacred, simple joys it brings. Once lost, they are hard to regain.

As students, we should live happily. Instead of feeling sad about unexpected results, we should live happily, with positivity, to gain more confidence and determination to change. Also, in addition to studying, spend time with your family and protect the environment, so you can experience the joy of contributing to something worthwhile.

Each of us is born with the hope of achieving happiness. However, the path to happiness is not something anyone can accurately define. Different people have different definitions of happiness. Some may define happiness in simple terms, while others may see it as something grand and distant. Life is a never-ending journey of seeking happiness for ourselves. Most people desire a life of comfort, a harmonious family, success in life, and the fulfillment of dreams – these are considered their greatest forms of happiness.

The question arises, what exactly is happiness that people dedicate their youth to pursuing it? Happiness is a positive emotional state experienced when one's desires or abstract needs are fulfilled. It is a deeply human emotion often influenced by reason. Each individual has their own personal definition of happiness, but it is commonly associated with joy, comfort, and cheerfulness in life.

Success is not the key to happiness. In fact, happiness is the key that leads to success. If you love what you do, you will succeed. External success, whether in position or material wealth, does not always accompany happiness. Many people may have rich families, luxurious lifestyles, or prestigious positions – outward symbols of success. But when you dig deeper, you might find that while wealth and luxury provide comfort, they do not necessarily lead to greater happiness compared to someone who works hard to make ends meet. People often say, 'Wealth does not always accompany happiness; even successful people experience exhaustion and frustration in life.' This is why 'even the rich cry.' Money can buy many things, some of which can contribute to happiness. For instance, you may be busy with work, going early and coming home late, maintaining many professional relationships to help advance your career. However, you forget about your family, the people who need your time and attention to nurture family happiness.

It is not true that wealth guarantees happiness. The more one immerses themselves in the pursuit of money, the more they may find themselves and their partner feeling empty and lonely. When both individuals are focused on their financial and social pursuits, they may drift apart. Although they live under the same roof, they no longer share the same conversations or desires. The intimacy and connection that once existed may fade, leading to loneliness and, often, divorce. This is a common reason why marriages fail in today's society.

On the other hand, some couples may lack material wealth but still find happiness because they understand how to share, empathize, and support one another. A husband may work while his wife stays home to care for their children. Despite the financial struggles they face, they remain happy, as they come together every day to share meals and conversations. Happiness does not require wealth; it is found in simple acts of care and understanding. The value of a partner who shares in building family happiness is beyond measure.

This example shows that happiness can be simple. Everyone has their own definition of happiness. Whether happiness is simple or complex depends on how one perceives it.

Personally, I believe that wealth or poverty affects the level of enjoyment, but it does not determine our happiness. Even if someone earns millions, if their family life is not happy, their wealth becomes meaningless. If someone defines happiness solely through the pursuit of money and loses important aspects like connection and shared emotional experiences, they will miss the true essence of happiness.

When we are in our twenties, few of us wonder what true happiness is. But for me, happiness is simple: waking up feeling healthy, having peace of mind, enjoying work that I love and can sustain me, traveling to new places, and spending time with my family. Having a true friend with whom I can freely share my life, work, love, and passions – this is happiness. Good health and happiness are the most valuable things that money cannot buy.

Happiness makes our lives more meaningful, allowing us to grow and strive forward. Happiness comes to those who make efforts to reach their true potential, who never stop learning, and who have a clear plan and determination to succeed. Happiness is woven into our daily experiences, seen in the love shared among people, and reflected in family bonds.

Being loved is a driving force for self-improvement and overcoming life's challenges to find personal happiness. For example, I find happiness in knowing that I am important to someone. Happiness is living a full life with the one you love, wishing for their health and joy. A happy person is full of inspiration, optimism, and youthful energy. They spend time enjoying life, taking care of themselves, and living authentically according to their feelings, without hiding their sadness or suppressing their emotions. They pursue their passions freely. When you realize the path to happiness and cultivate it, it becomes a continuous journey, one that requires perseverance, determination, and the ability to rise after setbacks. Happiness is within our grasp, but once lost, it can be hard to reclaim.

For youth, happiness is often tied to love, but it can also encompass the love of family, friends, and the affection from those around them. Happiness is intertwined with dreams and aspirations, giving life greater meaning. It is not just about fleeting romantic relationships that young people may often think of. Happiness is not material wealth that comes from family support, but rather the genuine love, care, and pure-hearted dreams that youth should embrace. Happiness is when your thoughts, mind, and soul align with what you have. It is reflected in the success you achieve in work, love, and life. Or even in the simpler moments, like waking up and starting your day with energy and enthusiasm to pursue your goals.

Happiness begins in the soul. When your mind is at ease, happiness naturally follows. When we are content with what is happening around us, maintaining a positive attitude and relaxed mindset, we experience happiness.

New experiences in life can also bring happiness. Discovering new things in life, whether it's a new job, a new place to live, or a new environment, can bring a sense of joy and happiness. Changing your surroundings can provide new perspectives and create happiness.

In conclusion, happiness exists everywhere. It is something we create for ourselves. If we feel joy in accomplishing something, that is a form of happiness. Each day, we should strive to create moments of happiness, to foster a cheerful spirit within ourselves. Positive thinking, working diligently, striving toward our goals, and showing love to those around us will certainly bring happiness. True happiness is the driving force behind youthful ambition, the willingness to learn, and living a meaningful life.