We are bombarded with messages such as these:
"Strive for excellence" - motto used at many institutions
"Strive to be happy" - Desiderata
"Striving and struggle precedes success, even in the dictionary" - S. B. Breathnach

A reserved person who is shy could be viewed as someone who wants to "stay in the background" and does not want to strive for something or achieve much. Reserved people are thought to be puahovers.

People tend to judge the book by the cover.
Example: the way people judged Carrie in the movie 'Carrie'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKASEehJEYE

(Movie is violent and intense. May not be appropriate for all audiences.)

What type of person is:
- Thankful or content with the way things are;
- Reserved, not wanting to ruffle feathers;
- Tolerant;
- A pushover
?
How would such a person fare in the world?