Vivy,
I'm sorry if I seemed a little unfair. In the context of the sarcastic attack I feel it was warranted."...Sew the wind, reap the whirlwind..." if you like. Your tone seems to indicate a person of some balance.
I don't disagree that some people give up when they feel that they are going nowhere. It's still a choice. If I may draw the analogy of the olympic swimming hopeful who strives to beat their personal best by .5 second at the next olympics and spends the next 4 years day in day out striving incessantly, alone, gazing at the black line at the bottom of the pool equipping themselves in the hope that their effort will pay dividends. It is only one example, for sure, but that to me is herculean. In the face of adversity champions don't quit.( A movie that is good viewing on this subject is " A Knights Tale" with Heath Ledger). Obviously not everyone will persevere. For a funny thought, imagine if James Cook had landed on Hawaii first, eyeballed the lifestyle and thought "Bugger it. This'll do!"
As you say success is measured different ways. Monetary success is one way for sure and probably the most obvious to most. The serendipities that come as a result of achieving financial security are just as good if not better. I'm not sure I can properly express the feeling that comes from believing in someone and helping them overcome limiting self-belief and then seeing them go on and do the same with others. What good is monetary success if you can't share joy with others?
Our microwave society unfortunately has become accustomed to immediate gratification and expects the harvest straight after planting.
The TV schedule? Another choice. Don't get me wrong. I love my HD plasma and I love motor racing but I made a pact with myself that it's "a reward for effort" scheme.
Yes, make it so. Picard, out.

So are you now reduced to defining success ?!?

Look'ut me ! Look'ut meeaH ! Look at my stuff !

Julius Sumner Miller once demonstrated what happens when a large balloon and a small balloon are joined by a tube that allows air to move between them. He also demonstrated nuclear fission.

You probably have broadband too, don't you !

clink,
When I read tRAKKA's post the thought that he may be showing off never crossed my mind ! You either have a plasma tv and hide it when your friends come around, or you do not have one and are deeply resentful of everyone you know that has. Whatever the case you need to get over your pretensions!

Vivi,
I thought this was an opportunity to discuss poverty. I have neither plasmaTV nor plasmaTV envy. My previous comment was not directed at anyone in particular. Perhaps it was intended for the likes of CIS or IPA, who regularly seek to belittle the problem. With a federal budget coming on , expect CIS' Peter Saunders to suggest his usual remedies.

clink,
Poverty is a serious problem but most people want to feel good about their consumption decisions. They do not want to be reminded about how the poor go with out etc...We need to bring everyone's standard of living up, rather than dragging some people down.

I fail to understand why some would suggest that everyone be measured a success or failure by their material goods. Poverty is not a condition of not having material goods. It's a poor judgment on their lack of material goods. Poverty in Australia is more a guilt trip by the left for having "succeeded"(?). I have spent nearly the entirety of my working life earning below standard wages and hovering around what the government calls "poverty" because of under the average annual earnings. I would never categorize myself or my family as poor or living in poverty.