''Smallness seeks and loves authority, while greatness is never authoritative. It is through this absence of authority that greatness becomes the authority to which future generations turn.''
Goodness, simplicity, and greatness are inseparable qualities that form a trinity of perfection. Without goodness, there can be no true greatness, as greatness springs from the foundation of goodness. It is the gentle and enduring nature of greatness that sets it apart from destructive forces that may leave a temporary impact but lack the transformative power of true greatness.
Greatness operates in silence, devoid of any desire for recognition. Like a towering mountain, it goes unnoticed by those who are sheltered by its presence. Only as people move away from it, they can behold its sublime grandeur. The greatness of an individual is often not recognized by their contemporaries; its majesty becomes apparent only with the passage of time. This awe and enchantment of distance allow the true beauty of greatness to emerge, while superficial popularity and shallow show quickly fade away, leaving no lasting impact.
Throughout history, many individuals who possessed greatness were not initially recognized for their divine qualities. Jesus, perceived as an unlettered carpenter, and Homer, considered a blind beggar, eventually revealed themselves as beings of immortal significance. True genius is impersonal, transcending the individual who manifests it and belonging to all of humanity. It is a diffusion of pure Truth, a universal force that resonates across time, cultures, and hearts.
Every work of genius, regardless of its artistic form, is a symbolic representation of impersonal Truth. It surpasses boundaries and elicits a response from every human being, regardless of age or race. Anything that falls short of this universal truth cannot be considered true genius or greatness. True art represents the True, and true greatness in life is that which is universally and eternally true. The essence of both greatness and goodness is rooted in the pursuit of truth.
Every immortal work of art originates from the eternal goodness within the human heart and embodies the simplicity that accompanies goodness. The greatest art, like nature itself, appears artless, devoid of tricks, poses, or contrived efforts. Shakespeare, the greatest dramatist, exemplifies this principle through his profound simplicity. Unfortunately, critics often fail to understand the wise simplicity of greatness and condemn it, unable to discern between the childish and the childlike. True greatness, beauty, and truth are perennially fresh, young, and childlike.
The truly great person is always good and exhibits simplicity. They draw from the infinite reservoir of divine goodness within, connecting with the higher realms and the invisible. They are inspired and breathe the air of heaven. To achieve greatness, one must strive to be good, for greatness is attained by not actively seeking it. Paradoxically, aiming at greatness leads to nothingness, while aiming at nothingness leads to greatness. The desire to be great is often an indication of personal vanity and obtrusiveness, while true greatness manifests through the absence of self-aggrandizement and a willingness to disappear from the spotlight.
Smallness seeks and loves authority, while greatness is never authoritative. It is through this absence of authority that greatness becomes the authority to which future generations turn. The one who seeks personal authority ultimately becomes a trembling apologist hiding behind the acknowledged greatness of others. On the other hand, the one who becomes the servant of all, desiring no personal authority, lives as a true human being and is deemed great. By abiding in the simple and noble regions of one's life, obeying the heart and forgetting the small self, true greatness can be achieved.
Emerson rightly proclaimed, "It is as easy to be great as to be small." Forgetting oneself entirely is the essence of greatness, goodness, and happiness. In a fleeting moment of self-forgetfulness, even the smallest soul can experience greatness. By extending that moment indefinitely, a truly great soul and a great life can be lived. By discarding personal cravings, vanities, and ambitions, one can dwell in the loving and selfless realms of the soul, transcending smallness and embracing greatness.
In the pursuit of greatness, the vulgarity of ignorance and the pride of learning must be relinquished. Both hold no value in the realm of goodness. One should not mistake information for true knowledge but strive to know oneself as pure knowledge. Similarly, learning should not be confused with wisdom. To attain wisdom, one must grasp their own untainted essence.
If one desires to write a living book that resonates through the ages, one must first live and immerse themselves in manifold experiences. It is through enjoyment and suffering, gladness and sorrow, conquest and defeats that one acquires wisdom beyond what any book or teacher can impart. Life and the soul become the greatest teachers, and in traversing the lonely road, one discovers their own existence. Only then can one write a book that truly lives, surpassing the boundaries of mere words.
To carve a statue or paint a picture that endures, one must acquaint themselves with the divine beauty that resides within. By comprehending and adoring the invisible beauty, one can grasp the principles that breathe life into form. It is through perceiving the matchless symmetry and faultless proportions of life, being, and the universe that an artist can capture the indescribable beauty in their work.
Creating an imperishable poem requires living that poem. Thinking and acting rhythmically, one can find an unending source of inspiration in the loving depths of their heart. Immortal lines flow effortlessly from such a state, much like flowers spontaneously blooming. Beautiful thoughts take root within the heart and, encapsulated in words as vessels, conquer the hearts of humanity.
If one aspires to compose music that uplifts and gladdens the world, they must attune their soul to the heavenly harmonies. Recognizing that music is the heart of being, the musician must touch the chords of life. Music is omnipresent, the very essence of existence. When one listens with their spiritual ear, they can hear the deathless symphonies that resonate throughout the cosmos.
Preaching the living word requires transcending the self and becoming that word. Recognizing the inherent goodness and divinity within every human heart, the preacher must live through love. They should see no evil, think no evil, and believe no evil. Though their words may be few, their every action becomes a powerful testament, their every word a guiding principle. Through pure thoughts and selfless deeds, even if hidden, they preach to countless aspiring souls across the ages.
To choose goodness, sacrificing all is to be granted something greater than and encompassing all. The possessor of the best becomes a companion of the highest and enters the company of the great. Flawless, rounded, and complete greatness transcends all art forms. It is the manifestation of perfect goodness, and therefore, the greatest souls are always teachers, guiding others on the path of goodness and greatness.
In conclusion, greatness and goodness are inseparable. Goodness serves as the foundation from which greatness emerges. Greatness works silently, requiring no recognition, and is often only discerned with the passage of time. True genius is impersonal, belonging to all humanity. It is a manifestation of universal truth that finds resonance in every heart. Greatness and goodness are intertwined, and by embodying simplicity, selflessness, and a pursuit of truth, one can achieve true greatness and leave an enduring mark on the world.
Further reading:
"Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This essay by Emerson delves into the themes of individuality, self-reliance, and the pursuit of truth. It aligns with the idea of greatness emerging from personal authenticity.
"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius: As a Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor, Aurelius explores the nature of virtue, humility, and finding greatness within oneself. His reflections offer insights into the relationship between greatness and inner strength.
"The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran: This poetic work delves into various aspects of life, including love, selflessness, and spiritual growth. It explores the idea of goodness as a transformative force and its connection to greatness.
"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl: Frankl's book recounts his experiences as a Holocaust survivor and his reflections on finding meaning in life. It offers insights into the pursuit of goodness and the resilience of the human spirit.
"The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle: Tolle explores the significance of living in the present moment and embracing simplicity. The book delves into the power of inner stillness and the potential for greatness found in the present.
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