<p>PROMPT: Can success be disastrous?</p>
<pre><code> From an early age, one is taught that success can end all of life's problems. Yet when success is achieved many people realize that their success has been more destructive than helpful. Jay Gatsby and Mark Zuckerberg are just a few examples of how success does not necessarily lead to happiness.
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<p>In F.Scotts Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the main character Jay Gatsby seems to have lived the American Dream. He came from a poor Minnesota family, but worked hard and became a successful business man. Despite his several accomplishments and lavish lifestyle, Gatsby is unhappy. He had been separated from the love of his life, Daisy. When he is finally reunited with Daisy, he works very hard to win her back and buys her expensive clothes, but in the end she does not stay with Gatsby. Gatsby's story is important because he was unable to find happiness in his success, which ultimately lead to his death.
Similarly for Mark Zuckerberg, success did not solve all of his problems. In the movie, The Social Network, Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook with his friend Eduardo Saverin. The social networking site, Facebook, became an instantaneous success. The site made the two friends very popular rich. Yet this new found fame came with a price. In 2006, Mark Zuckerberg reduced Saverin's company shares significantly. Saverin eventually sued Zuckerberg. In addition, Zuckerberg was already sued by the Winklevoss twins over the idea of Facebook. This shows that success can create enemies, which can make one question if success is really worth it.
Although one should strive to accomplish their goals, it is important to remember that success isn't the only remedy to having a fulfilling life.</p>