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Greatness is something which can be regarded in a number…

“Greatness is something which can be regarded in a number of ways,” he said. “It is, of course, the apotheosis, man raised to his highest powers, but it also can be, in a way, like insanity, a certain kind of imbalance, a flaw, in most cases a beneficial flaw, an anomaly, an accident.” “Well, many…” quote by James Salter
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““Greatness is something which can be regarded in a number of ways,” he said. “It is, of course, the apotheosis, man raised to his highest powers, but it also can be, in a way, like insanity, a certain kind of imbalance, a flaw, in most cases a beneficial flaw, an anomaly, an accident.” “Well, many great men are eccentric,” Viri said, “even narrow.” “Not necessarily narrow so much as impatient, intense.””

James Salter

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Greatness can be both a pinnacle of achievement and a disruptive flaw that fuels creativity, often appearing as eccentricity or intense focus.

In simple terms: Greatness mixes brilliance and imbalance.

Key Takeaway

Embrace both strengths and quirks.

Themes

achievement eccentricity creativity psychology

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • artistic pursuits
  • innovation
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

apotheosis beneficial flaw anomaly

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is your “flaw” a strength?
  • When does intensity become destructive?
A Different Perspective

Risk of glorifying harmful instability.

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