Self Realization – Another Epiphany
by It is a healthy thing to ponder who we are inside, and do a personal inventory. In this way, we can ensure that we recognize the good things we have done, whether recognized or not, and to root out negative aspects. In the long run, emotional good health depends on it.
I came to the realization today that I’m a great man. And this awareness is another of many epiphanies that I have experienced in my life, regarding a whole host of issues.
One doesn’t have to be perfect to be a great man. Nor does one have to be either universally liked or have the world agree by acclamation to the greatness. Just because one person, or a thousand people don’t believe one is great, does not void the greatness.
However, one can’t merely announce that he is “great” and let it go at that. Instead, one can only be great when one sincerely realizes that other people see you as that great person. Years of having others tell me that I am great caused me to wince, fearing that if I were to believe this, then I’d be the most conceited, arrogant s.o.b. around. And, years of hearing from a sub set of humanity that I “wasn’t so great” and that I had a long list of flaws and imperfections which these people were only so happy to point out, prevented me from believing that I could be a great man, no matter how hard I may try.
In addition, one doesn’t have to be “famous” to be a great man, although some great men have achieved fame in what they have said, written, or accomplished. And being famous doesn’t go along with being great, either. The mere ownership of celebrity does not qualify one for greatness. It is important to distinguish between being “great” at something and being a “great man.” For example, one can be a great actor, or, a great teacher, or, a great lumberjack, and so forth, but still not be a great man. Conversely, a great man doesn’t have to be “great” in any career or craft or skill. Even so, there are great actors who are great men; great carpenters that are great men; great policemen that are great men; and so on.
So, there are many men throughout time and space who are great, but, at the same time, relatively unknown (not famous). An insightful man once said that prophet is not known in his own land. Precisely, the quote is, “People have set that up as a standard, not to recognize a prophet in his own country.” – Sun Ra (aka Herman Poole Blount, 1914 – 1993). So, if you grew up with a person, or he was a high school buddy, no matter what he accomplishes in life, you will see him only as he was – a high school buddy. Nothing more; nothing less. But others who do not know him, will see him for who he has become. Jesus was not known or recognized as a great leader in his land.
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