“We grow small trying to be great.”
could someone explain
please and thank you!!!!!!!
2007-06-06 19:13:42 · 7 answers · asked by Melody 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The more we try and struggle to be more than we are and achieve greatness, the smaller we become as individuals. In other words, most people who try to be great end up falling on their butts. Greatness isnt for everyone. Some people need to just settle for being average and normal. Pax - C
2007-06-06 19:17:10 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It seems to suggest that the individual suffers a personal loss in trying to achieve greatness. More specifically, it seems to me to be suggesting a loss of innocence through the use of the words "grow small."
2007-06-06 19:18:19 · answer #2 · answered by Megan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is saying that trying to be great is not the same as trying to do something great. Trying to be great is a superficial, meaningless goal. A superficial, meaningless person is certainly 'small'. Actually doing something great (e.g. Winston Churchill or FDR) leads to 'greatness'.
Bill Clinton thought only of his 'legacy' as president. He wanted to be remembered as 'great'. He grew very small in the process. He should have tried to achieve great things (as Churchill and FDR did), rather than trying to 'be great'.
Best wishes.
2007-06-06 20:34:02 · answer #3 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you only think of yourself, then the more you try to make yourself look great in front of others, then the more you become isolated from all the other people in the world. If you are connected with all people, then you will be great because you have helped others to be great as well as yourself. Then you will become less important, because you are at one with all the people around you, and they are all just as important as well.
2007-06-06 19:36:30 · answer #4 · answered by driving_blindly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cool quote. Men can become petty, selfish & "small" by being too ambitious & stepping on others to get to the top.
As it says in the bible, those who would exalt themselves will be humbled, those who humble themselves will be exalted. Anyone who is too proud & wants to be better than everyone else doesn't have as much character as someone who is humble & sees the good in others & puts the needs of others before his own. Anyone who achieves greatness cares for others, not just himself (Gandhi & Jesus to name a couple).
2007-06-06 19:37:31 · answer #5 · answered by amp 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that's saying you'll become less of a human being by chasing greatness. In some odd way it's true. There's a lot of people you have to ignore (and un?intentionally hurt) when you're trying to be great.
2007-06-06 20:47:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The desire makes you small while acheiving the growth
2007-06-06 19:34:38 · answer #7 · answered by venkatadhri y 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋