[rubicon33]

This is a good point, but a very tough one for most people on this forum to swallow.

I think it's good to give everything your best effort, to strive for greatness, and constantly check yourself to make sure you're giving it your all.

But then, if you don't succeed, find peace in life's way. Be okay with yourself, your progress, and your place in life. When you step back and realize how truly random everything is, then just knowing that you played your cards to the best of your ability, should bring happiness and a sense of peace.

[solipsism]

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.

Hemingway

[stuxnet79]

I guess the realization, after his hey days, that his current self was markedly inferior to his former self, precipitated his suicide.