This quote suggests the notion that the perception of greatness is often a matter of perspective. It implies that an era or society that lacks what it perceives as ‘great’ individuals is less likely to believe in the concept of greatness itself. This could be because it has not seen any examples of such greatness, or it could be due to a cultural shift in what is considered ‘great’.

The quote can be seen as a critique of the society’s inability to recognize greatness within its midst or its failure to foster conditions that allow greatness to thrive. It could also be interpreted as a commentary on the changing standards of greatness. In some eras, greatness might be associated with conquest and power, while in others, it might be linked to innovation, creativity, or moral leadership.

In today’s world, this quote could be applied in various ways. One could argue that in our celebrity-obsessed culture, we often confuse fame and wealth with greatness, overlooking those who make significant contributions in less glamorous fields or in ways that do not seek the spotlight.

In terms of personal development, the quote could serve as a reminder that the recognition of our greatness or value does not depend on external validation. It may encourage us to define our own standards of greatness and strive to meet them, regardless of whether they are acknowledged by others.

Moreover, it could also be a call to foster a society that values and cultivates greatness in its various forms – not just in terms of wealth and fame, but also in terms of kindness, creativity, resilience, and other qualities that contribute to the betterment of society.