Do you know why greatness is so difficult to achieve? It’s not because you have to rise above everyone else and all other expectations, although in many cases this is done anyway. Greatness is difficult to achieve because it goes against our nature.
For example, in our minds, greatness may come from power and conquest, great skills in leading, fighting, intelligence, etc… These are qualities that many men and women covet, working their entire lives to obtain just a small part. Greatness doesn’t require these; it requires courage, a silent courage that no one will acknowledge. Atticus from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird conveys this quality. While Scout can beat up any boy in her grade, her father teaches her that fighting isn’t right. Even though Atticus is the best shot in the town, he never picks up a rifle or uses it for any reason unless it is absolutely necessary. He never shows off and he never, never lifts a hand unless necessary. Although some people and even his children don’t see his greatness, it’s there, the quiet control over oneself.
True greatness is rarely witnessed and rarely recognized. It comes from the small acts that we are constantly reminded of: choosing forgiveness over revenge, kindness instead of apathy, humility over pride, etc… These are the qualities that will separate us. Strange how the real heroes in our lives are the normal people around us, our parents, the person who smiled and waved, a friend surprising you with a visit and treats, the kind-hearted boss who lets you off early. Little things, things of no consequence have the greatest impact on a life. Achilles (a “great” man) was stopped in his tracks because of his ankle, a very slight and matter of inconsequence. Going against the natural man is done by small and simple things.
Greatness is defeating the greatest enemy of all: ourselves.
