Success Vs. Stanley Cox

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“Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” - Orison Swett Marden. One can easily apply this quote to Stanley Cox in the movie ‘Stanley and Iris’. Success can be defined in a variety of ways, it is a concept in which one grasps and defines on their own. The road in which we decide to take always has obstacles and the ability to make it through those obstacles is a success on its own. Stanley Cox was a man who lived his life being illiterate until he was middle-aged. His hard work, adaptability and confidence is what led him to his own life’s success. To be hard working is to be determined and to persevere. It is to look at a situation and rather then look at it as an obstacle without trying, look at it as a challenge worth accepting. Cox managed to support himself and his father by maintaining a job in a Cafeteria as a baker. When Cox lost his job due to his illiteracy, he did everything he could to get back on his feet, he persevered. Immediately after the incident Cox jumped into two jobs being a toilet attendant and a day labourer. Beyond Stanley’s work ethics, he was a hardworking care giver. He took care of his father to his full potential and in some scenes, took care of Iris when she needed a helping hand. It wasn’t until Cox’s father passed away that he sought help for his illiteracy from Iris. He took on two jobs and learned how to read and write. Although there was some difficulty within the process of his learning, he kept on going until he learned. Stanley Cox then went on to take a big job in Detroit. His hard work brought about his success within his and Iris’s life. Adaptability is important in one’s life. It is to be able to adapt to change within a situation or an environment no matter the circumstance. Stanley
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