Based on Chapter 8, what is the 'true success' of human birth and how is it contrasted with a wasted life?

According to the philosophy outlined in Chapter 8, the "true success of birth" is the realization of the Eternal. The chapter compellingly argues that a human being is distinct from other creatures because they are "free, fearless, and independent." A life is considered wasted if it is spent only on the four activities of eating, sleeping, fear, and mating, which makes one no different than a dog. The text encourages introspection, asking, "Where have we come from? Who are we? What is the reason for human birth?" Chapter 8 states that one who knows the answer to this is proficient, while all else is mere exhaustion.