“Great men are true men, the men in whom nature has succeeded. They are not extraordinary - they are in the true order. It is the other species of men who are not what they ought to be.”
What this quote means
Amiel reverses our conception of greatness: great men are not exceptions but fully human, authentic beings. Nature has 'succeeded' in them, so they are in the natural order. Those who are not great are those who are not true to their essence. This invites us to see greatness as self-realization, an alignment with one's deep nature, rather than extraordinary performance. Everyone can strive for this authenticity.
How to apply it daily
Reflect on what makes you authentic. Today, make a decision aligned with your core values, even if it is less spectacular.
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