The sage never strives for the great, and thereby the great is achieved.

This quote suggests⁣ that the⁤ sage,⁣ or wise person, does not actively ‌pursue greatness or grand ‍achievements. Instead, they focus on the⁣ present,⁤ the small tasks and responsibilities ‌at hand, and the cultivation‌ of​ wisdom and virtue. By not striving for greatness, they paradoxically‌ achieve it. This⁤ is​ because true⁢ greatness,‍ according ​to⁤ this⁣ perspective, is not about external recognition or accomplishments, but⁤ about‍ inner wisdom, virtue, and peace.

This idea can be likened ⁤to the concept ​of “effortless effort” or “action through inaction,” central to Taoist philosophy. ⁤It’s about allowing things to unfold naturally, not forcing or striving, but being in a state of relaxed attentiveness and letting actions‍ arise spontaneously ⁢from that​ state.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we often see a relentless pursuit of success,‍ wealth, ⁣fame, or other external markers of ‘greatness.’ This quote suggests an alternative path: focusing on the present, on ‍personal growth, and ‍on cultivating wisdom and virtue.

In ⁣terms⁢ of personal development, this might involve⁤ focusing less⁢ on ambitious goals and more on daily habits and attitudes. It might mean cultivating mindfulness, patience, compassion, and other virtues. It could also involve⁢ letting go of the need for external validation and instead finding satisfaction in one’s own personal growth and self-improvement.

For ‌instance, instead of striving to become ⁣a famous musician, one might focus on the joy of making music, the process of improving one’s skills, and⁢ the pleasure of sharing music with others.⁣ In‌ doing so, one might find ‌that they achieve ⁢a sense ‍of fulfillment ‍and perhaps even recognition that​ feels truly ‘great.’

In essence, the⁣ quote encourages‌ us​ to redefine what​ ‘greatness’ means‍ to us, ⁢suggesting that⁢ it might ⁤be found not in grand ‌achievements but in the wisdom and virtue we ⁢cultivate⁤ along the⁣ way.