Bessie Anderson Stanley

Date of Birth: March 25, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: October 2, 1952

Biography

Bessie Anderson Stanley was an American poet best known for her poem “Success,” which was often erroneously attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson or Robert Louis Stevenson. Born in Newton, Iowa, she lived a life dedicated to literature and the written word. Despite her relatively modest literary output, her works have had a lasting impact, particularly “Success,” which has been widely quoted and anthologized. Stanley wrote “Success” in 1904 for a poetry contest sponsored by Brown Book Magazine. The poem’s heartfelt message about the true meaning of success resonated with many and quickly became popular. Over the years, her poem was frequently misattributed, which inadvertently contributed to its wide dissemination. Bessie Anderson Stanley’s life was marked by her commitment to her family and her writing. She married Arthur Jehu Stanley and together they had two children. She spent much of her life in Lincoln, Kansas, where she continued to write and engage in local literary circles.

5 Interesting Facts about Bessie Anderson Stanley

1. Bessie Anderson Stanley’s poem “Success” won a prize of $250 in a 1904 contest.

2. The poem “Success” is often wrongly attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson or Robert Louis Stevenson.

3. She lived most of her life in Lincoln, Kansas.

4. Her poem “Success” has been frequently quoted in graduation speeches and motivational literature.

5. Bessie Anderson Stanley’s work was largely forgotten during her lifetime, but it gained posthumous recognition.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bessie Anderson Stanley

1. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.”

2. “Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children.”

3. “Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task.”

4. “Who has left the world better than he found it.”

5. “Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Bessie Anderson Stanley did not achieve significant financial wealth from her poetry. Her highest net worth is not well-documented but is believed to be modest.