Phyllis McGinley: 'Nothing fails like success nothing is so defeated as yesterday's triumphant Cause.'

Nothing fails like success nothing is so defeated as yesterday's triumphant Cause.

The quote by Phyllis McGinley, "Nothing fails like success, nothing is so defeated as yesterday's triumphant Cause," embodies a profound perspective on the fleeting nature of success and the relentless march of time. In a straightforward interpretation, the quote suggests that success, despite its initial glory and triumph, is destined to fail eventually. Moreover, it implies that the causes and ideologies that were once victorious and celebrated in the past will inevitably succumb to defeat and be overshadowed by new movements or causes. This sentiment speaks to the transitory nature of human achievements and the perpetual cycle of progress. However, by introducing an unexpected philosophical concept, we can delve deeper into the implications of this quote and explore its broader implications.The concept I'd like to introduce is the idea of "time as a river." Imagine time not as a linear path but as a meandering river, flowing incessantly forward. It carries both success and failure, causes and movements, along its course. Success, like a buoyant object, may buoyantly glide along the river's surface for a time, but it is still subject to the currents and undertows that ripple through the river's depths. As the river of time ebbs and flows, success can gradually lose its buoyancy and begin to sink, eventually succumbing to the dense waters.Similarly, yesterday's triumphant cause, once riding high on the crest of the river, will inevitably descend into the shallows and be swallowed by obscurity. These causes, which may have once captivated the masses and changed the course of history, will ultimately be overshadowed by new waves of thought and emerging ideologies. Just as the river ceaselessly carves new paths and reshapes the landscape, so too does time reshape our perspectives, preferences, and priorities. The triumphs of yesterday, no matter how grand they may have seemed, eventually lose their luster, becoming mere footnotes in the vast annals of history.The significance of this concept lies in its reminder of the impermanence of both success and causes. It humbles us, reminding us that achievements should not be taken for granted, nor should we become complacent in our triumphs. Success is a culmination of circumstances, hard work, and opportunity, all sailing atop a fickle current. Just as one must deftly navigate a river's rapids to maintain their course, individuals and causes must continuously adapt and evolve to the changing tides of time.Moreover, this concept invites us to ponder the eternal struggle between progress and inertia. It prompts reflection on our own roles in the tapestry of human achievement. Are we content with relishing in past conquests, or do we strive to contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of humanity? Do we let ourselves become defeated by the weight of yesterday's triumphs, or do we harness the lessons learned to propel ourselves forward?In essence, Phyllis McGinley's quote, "Nothing fails like success, nothing is so defeated as yesterday's triumphant Cause," serves as a poignant reminder for us to embrace the transient nature of success and causes. By envisioning time as a river, we recognize the inherent flux and changing nature of human endeavors. It encourages us to approach success with humility, to learn from past triumphs, and to continue forging ahead in the pursuit of new causes and aspirations. Only by navigating the currents of time with adaptability and an unwavering spirit can we truly rise above the ebb and flow of life's triumphs and defeats.