<p>Many people believe that the definition of success is leading a flawless life. Yet, making a great achievement in a certain field and contributing to the humanity is the core essence of success. As long as you have made an effort in you area of expertise and have rendered the life of others better and more pleasant, you are a true achiever. This idea is highlighted by two personas in history, who are to me heroes who may have traces of blemishes.
Edward Snowden, a previous NSA employer and CIA technician, leaked various documents to the British press Guardian, revealing the on-going mass surveillance of the US government on its civilians. This to me seems to be a success, as Snowden has endeavoured to reach his aim of informing the people as to that which is done in their names, and that which is done against them. FOllowing his belief, Snowden uncovered Americas indecent deeds, raising so much controversy that in August, the Michigan Republican Amash introduced a bill to amend the CIA interference and to protect the Fourth Amendment. This potential alteration was almost passed, defeated by 7 votes only, demonstrating the great possibility of change of the government snooping. Impressively, even President Obama claimed he is open to suggestions, hinting positive future developments. All these could take place, only thanks to Snowdens whistle-blowing.
Nevertheless, is our hero perfect? The answer is a definite No. Mr Snowden has already been charged with theft and espionage, forcing him to flee to Hong Kong and Russia, where he is now granted a one-year asylum. Whats more, his US passport is already revoked, meaning Snowden has even lost his identity, something most people have. All those render him a criminal-like character and extremely distant from the idea of being impeccable. Yet, this does not stop him from being successful, as he highlighted the darkness of truth and alerted America so much that its officials are propelled to make a change. Snowden, thus, has indeed changed history.
A similar figure is Winston Churchill, who was instrumental to British victory in WW2, which was impressive as then Hitler had gained much of Europe. In the Battle of Britain, he stopped the Germany from occupying English Channel and prevented the invasion; in the Battle of Atlantic, he crushed U-boats to impede the German campaign of starving Britain into submission. By contrast, an alcoholic and a smoker that demands eight cigars a day, Churchill cannot be called a perfection. Yet, he indeed was a success in his field, having saved Europe from the reign of a ruthless dictator.
Perfection is not success and is hardly achieved. It is the flaws that make us human. This is specially true to those heroes who can take strong positions and be assertive enough to carry out their will. This may lead to inevitable opposition, but never detracts their degree of accomplishment.</p>