by Wendy Morgan

Created on: September 15, 2009   Last Updated: September 16, 2009

The quote "Seek to be good instead of great." is framed and hung in a relatively prominent place in my home. While I have no idea who said it or where it came from, the minute I heard it the words resonated deep inside of me. Greatness is not measured by the accumulation of wealth, power or associates. Friedrich Nietzsche once said, "It is not the strength, but the duration, of great sentiments that makes great men."

To become great in life, you must first "Seek to be good." As observers of the world in which we live, we have seen once 'great' men and women crumble under the pressure of the positions they long sought after. The difficult climb these individuals made to positions of power took bits and pieces of their souls until they were but a shell of their former selves.

Greatness cannot be achieved through notoriety and fame, in fact quite the opposite is more accurate. True greatness can only be achieved with a good heart, moral direction and a righteous goal. J.C. and A.W. Hare made the point with the statement, "The greatest truths are the simplest, and so are the greatest men." Some of the greatest men and women in history did not seek personal attention, instead sought to improve the world through hard word and diligence.

Mother Theresa spent the majority of her lifetime working to ease the suffering of others. Her intent was not to become famous because of her good works, instead performed good works in spite of the attention she received.

What makes a good man great? Those who thinks of themselves first and others after, show the true desires of their hearts. As long as I get what I want first, then I can help others. You cannot be great when your heart and soul are focused only on yourself and what your actions will accomplish for you. A great man with a good heart, takes the road less travelled. When making the world a better place for everyone, that is when a good man achieves greatness. When seeking to comfort, aid and improve, only then is true greatness realized. Greatness cannot be bestowed, granted or given. It takes work. It takes diligence.

Most importantly, it takes humility. Great men are astounded when confronted by their greatness. The surprise is genuine and the humble attitude is sincere. Great men don't want accolades and parades, they want everyone to have enough. Henry Taylor said, "The world knows nothing of its greatest men." And that is as it should be.

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