--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I'll tell you what I think defines…" description: "\"“I'll tell you what I think defines greatness. The ability and willingness to perform in extraordinary ways.”\" — William Kent Krueger" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/578/william-kent-krueger-10066_ability_i-ll-tell-you-what-i-think-defines-great_3017343.png" --- # I'll tell you what I think defines greatness. The ability… ![“I'll tell you what I think defines greatness. The ability and willingness to perform in extraordinary ways.” quote by William Kent Krueger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/578/william-kent-krueger-10066_ability_i-ll-tell-you-what-i-think-defines-great_3017343.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/578/william-kent-krueger-10066_ability_i-ll-tell-you-what-i-think-defines-great_3017343.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/578/william-kent-krueger-10066_ability_i-ll-tell-you-what-i-think-defines-great_3017343.png) > ““I'll tell you what I think defines greatness. The ability and willingness to perform in extraordinary ways.”” [William Kent Krueger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-kent-krueger/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Greatness is defined by the willingness and ability to act beyond the ordinary. **In simple terms:** Greatness = extraordinary action and willingness. Key Takeaway Strive for extraordinary effort. Themes achievement excellence determination Mood inspired determined Type motivational philosophical When to use this quote - career milestones - sports competitions - artistic projects - volunteer work Key Concepts philosophy of success motivation Questions to Reflect On - What ordinary acts become extraordinary? - How sustain willingness over time? A Different Perspective Extraordinary expectations can cause burnout. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness/) ## Related quotes > [When ordinary human beings perform extraordinary acts of generosity, endurance or compassion, we are all made richer by their example. 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If you hit a man, you can apologize. If you destroy his property, you can pay…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-kent-krueger/once-someone-s-dead-being-sorry-doesn-t-cut-it-if-you-hit-a-man-you/) [William Kent Krueger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-kent-krueger/) > [“The devil's best defense is a person's disbelief in his existence.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-kent-krueger/the-devil-s-best-defense-is-a-person-s-disbelief-in-his-existence/) [William Kent Krueger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-kent-krueger/) > [“leaning hard into the wind in order to complete the job expected of him. He was an Eagle”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-kent-krueger/leaning-hard-into-the-wind-in-order-to-complete-the-job-expected-of/) [William Kent Krueger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-kent-krueger/) > [“Sam's Place had never felt so empty. He suspected the emptiness was not in the old Quonset hut; it was in him. 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St. Kawasaki looked amused. "Hell of a question to ask a priest." \[...\] "I'm asking because I've been a… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-kent-krueger/do-you-believe-in-god-st-kawasaki-looked-amused-hell-of-a-question-to/) [William Kent Krueger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-kent-krueger/) > [“Cork wished there were a forecast for his spirit. He felt the dark and the cold penetrating deep in him. 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But I think because I was so concerned about it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gus-kenworthy/i-don-t-think-there-s-a-direct-correlation-between-my-sexuality-and/) [Gus Kenworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gus-kenworthy/) > [“the importance of ability. The things that make a great job great, I discovered, are rare and valuable. 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I'd be more frightened by procrastination and laziness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denzel-washington/i-d-be-more-frightened-by-not-using-whatever-abilities-i-d-been-given/) [Denzel Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denzel-washington/) > [Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 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