Great People and Petty People

Here is a paradoxical life lesson I learned from one of my mentors:


Great people do small things.

Petty people do big things.

At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. 

Yet, true greatness lies in outwardly modest actions but profound in their significance. 

These actions embody the internal struggle to implement ideals against natural inclinations.

Conversely, grandiose actions can often be devoid of real substance.

Society often misjudges an act’s value, glorifying visible impact over quiet, meaningful endeavors. 

Jewish thought reveals the true measure of an action lies not in its external acclaim but in the internal struggle it entails.

Embracing this philosophy enriches our daily lives. 

Genuine growth and fulfillment stem from the challenge of manifesting ideals into actions. 

This internal journey is the essence of true greatness and achievement, and this is how we build a healthy society. 



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