They queue up in the driving rain believing they have what it takes: that elusive 'X' factor which will give meaning to their lives. But there's only one winner and so mass-heartbreak ensues. Some end up working in a bank, forever singing in the bath and dreaming of what 'could' have been.

On the other side of the country, the son of a poor farmer works the land, marries the local baker's daughter and feels forever content. He never dreamt of fame and fortune.

Two extremes; two outcomes. So, what we want to know this week is this: how would you judge a successful life?

• Is it merely determined by your aspirations?

• Can two people live near identical lives but one feels successful while the other 'knows' they're a failure?

• Would you rather have love or money - or something entirely different?

• Do most people go through phases of success and failure?

• Are some people doomed to failure while others are born to win?

• Do we as humans always have a tendency to use the wrong measures of success?

• Can you feel good about your life while most other people would not, and vice versa?

• Does surviving and passing on our genes constitute a success?

• Does it really matter?