I'm motivated to ask this question after seeing DJ_Darwin's question on "Why seek enlightenment".

How can we know? I understand there are levels of "attainment" in buddhism. How are those judged? It's my thought that these must be judged based on social conventions. That is, when a students beliefs and responses and reactions sufficiently match those of his teachers, they might deem him having attained. Is there more to it? At the end of the day, I doubt this is truly possible to know.

Historically, "enlightened ones" have been the most inspirational ones. Eckart Tolle, the Buddha.

I'm reacting to the philosophical belief that there "is" a goal, and that you "should" attain it. When in reality, that goal must be different for anyone and everyone.