This quote suggests that a truly great person remains unshaken and unaffected by external circumstances. They are not easily agitated, distressed or tormented by the events happening around them. Instead, they maintain a sense of calm and composure, allowing events to pass over them without leaving much of an impression or causing meaningful emotional upheaval.
The underlying concept here is one of resilience and emotional stability. A ‘great’ individual in this context is someone who has mastered their emotions to such an extent that they are not easily swayed by external factors.They have developed a strong inner core that remains steady even amidst chaos.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied in various ways. It could be seen in the context of leadership; leaders who remain calm under pressure tend to make better decisions as they’re not ruled by their emotions but rather guided by rational thinking.
It also applies to personal growth – many motivational speakers emphasize on developing emotional intelligence which includes managing our own emotions effectively so we’re not overwhelmed when faced with challenges or adversity.Furthermore, it can also relate to mental health – cultivating resilience helps individuals navigate through life’s ups and downs without being emotionally derailed.
Lastly, it could apply to societal attitudes towards success – frequently enough society equates success with material wealth or status but Emerson’s quote suggests true greatness lies in having control over one’s own emotions irrespective of external circumstances.
