Philosopher and writer Alain de Botton gives a witty, thought provoking, and quite frankly refreshing talk about the evolving definitions of success and failure. In ages past, those who failed to succeed in life were considered “unfortunates;” in today’s world, the popular term is “losers.” Alain de Botton wrestles with the reasons behind—and consequences of—this seemingly minor linguistic shift, and finishes with a battle cry for individual definitions of success. His books include “How Proust Can Change Your Life” and “The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work”.

After the talk, Arnold posited: What is your definition of success? Some equated it with money, others with a stimulating career. Steve-o felt that success could be summed up as “being in the right place at the right time.” Me, I’m of the opinion that if success doesn’t equal inventing the technology to bring Franz Kafka, Anais Nin, and Allen Ginsberg back to life, fashion them into a punk-pop super-group, and allow me to tour with them across the seedier eastern European capitals as a back-up vocalist, then I’m simply not interested.

Thoughts? What is your definition of success? Feel free to comment below in the Responses section.