Being successful doesn't mean anything in and of itself. It just means that you're successful.

Few modern filmmakers shine brighter than Greta Gerwig, though she'd be the first to admit there's more to life than success. Gerwig (who began her career as an actor) is the visionary director and writer behind acclaimed films such as 2019’s "Little Women," 2012’s "Frances Ha," and 2017’s "Lady Bird," in which this quote appears. While many of her films have been nominated for awards, it's their immeasurable societal impact that proves more rewarding. These sage words — penned by Gerwig and spoken by actress Laurie Metcalf's character Marion MacPherson to her daughter, Lady Bird — are a reminder that achievements don't necessarily equate to happiness, nor do they define a life. Whether you're a big shot or small fry, true joy is in the eye of the beholder, and it doesn't matter how successful you are so long as you feel fulfilled.