"Vivre seul est le destin de toutes les grandes âmes."

Great people often find themselves isolated. That's the core idea here. It’s about the loneliness that can come with greatness or exceptional talent. Think of it as the price you pay for being unique or ahead of your time. When you’re treading a path that few understand, it’s natural to end up alone.

Historically, this concept has been around forever. Take Nikola Tesla, for instance. The man was a genius, way ahead of his time with his ideas about electricity and technology. But he lived a pretty lonely life. People didn’t get him. He died alone in a hotel room, yet his contributions changed the world. That’s the kind of isolation the quote is talking about.

Now, imagine you’re in school and you’ve got this amazing idea for a science project. You’re super excited, but when you try to explain it to your friends, they look at you like you've grown a second head. They just don’t get it. So, you spend your time working on it alone. Maybe it’s a bit lonely, but you’re driven by this idea you believe will change things. And guess what? Your project wins first place. You were alone, but your solitude paid off.

So, how can you apply this in your life? If you’ve got a dream or a passion that others don’t understand, don’t let their confusion deter you. Embrace the solitude that comes with it. Use that time to focus, to refine your ideas, to grow. It’s okay if not everyone gets it. The important thing is that you do. Think about the greats—many of them were misunderstood in their time. You’re in good company.

Picture this: You're an aspiring writer. You’ve got this incredible idea for a novel, but it’s not like anything else in the market. Your friends and even some writers' groups don’t quite get what you’re aiming for. You find yourself spending a lot of late nights alone, writing. It’s just you and your computer screen. Lonely? Maybe. But then, after months, maybe years, of hard work, you finally finish. And it’s brilliant. It gets picked up by a publisher and becomes a bestseller. That solitude had a purpose.

This concept isn't just for the Teslas and the bestselling authors of the world. It’s for anyone who feels a bit out of sync because they’re pursuing something unique. It’s a reminder that loneliness can be a sign you’re on the right path, pushing boundaries, and doing something that matters.

So next time you find yourself alone, working on something you're passionate about, remember this quote. It’s not a curse. It's a sign you might just be one of those great souls. Embrace it, and let it fuel your journey. And who knows? One day, people might look back at your work and realize you were ahead of your time.