The sage does not strive to be great. Thereby he can accomplish the great.” This quote can be seen as a profound statement about the paradox of ambition and achievement. It suggests that the pursuit of greatness for its own sake can often be a barrier to actually achieving it. This idea is rooted in the Taoist philosophy, which values humility, simplicity, and the natural flow of life over aggressive ambition and forced efforts.

The ‘sage’ in this quote is a wise person who understands the nature of the universe and aligns his actions accordingly. He does not strive or force his way to greatness, instead, he lets it come naturally by focusing on his actions rather than the outcome. This is not to say that the sage is passive or lacks ambition. Rather, he possesses a deeper understanding that real greatness comes from the quality of one’s actions, not the recognition or rewards they bring.

Applying this quote in today’s world or personal development, it suggests that we should focus more on the process rather than the outcome. In a society that often values achievement and success, this quote reminds us that the pursuit of greatness should not overshadow the importance of our actions and the journey itself.

For instance, in career development, instead of focusing solely on promotions or accolades, one might find more fulfillment and ultimately more success by focusing on honing their skills, building relationships, and contributing value to their field. Similarly, in personal development, it’s about growing and evolving as an individual, not just reaching certain milestones or benchmarks.

In essence, this quote teaches us about the importance of humility, patience, and process-oriented approach in achieving true greatness. It encourages us to let go of our ego-driven desires and to embrace the natural flow of life, thereby allowing greatness to emerge organically.