"Les petits esprits sont préoccupés par l'extraordinaire, les grands esprits par l'ordinaire."

Sometimes, the most profound ideas are the simplest. This quote suggests that truly perceptive and wise individuals find fascination and importance in the ordinary aspects of life, while those with less insight are often preoccupied with the extraordinary or sensational.

Think about it. When you’re always chasing after the next big thing, you might miss what’s right in front of you. It’s like being at a stunning beach but spending the whole time scrolling through photos of other beaches on Instagram. You’re missing the beauty that’s right there in the sand and waves at your feet.

Historically, this idea has been echoed by many great thinkers. Philosophers like Socrates and Confucius emphasized the importance of self-examination and daily life. Socrates famously said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” It’s about finding depth and meaning in everyday experiences rather than always seeking out the extraordinary.

Let’s take a real-life example. Imagine a talented artist. Some might think that for an artist to truly stand out, they must create grand, elaborate pieces that shock and awe. But look at someone like Vincent van Gogh. He painted ordinary scenes—like a chair, a pair of boots, or the night sky. Yet, in those simple subjects, he found profound beauty and emotion. His work shows us that there’s wonder in the everyday, if only we take the time to see it.

So, how do we apply this wisdom in our lives? Start by paying attention to the little things. Next time you’re having a cup of coffee, really savor it. Notice the aroma, the warmth of the mug in your hands, the taste. Or think about the conversations you have with friends and family. Instead of waiting for some big, life-changing moment, appreciate the joy in sharing a laugh or a quiet moment together.

Here’s a relatable scenario. Picture yourself coming home after a long day at work. You’re exhausted and stressed. Your mind is racing with thoughts about the big presentation next week or that vacation you’ve been planning. But then, your child runs up to you with a drawing they made—just for you. You could easily brush it off as another piece of refrigerator art. But what if you took a minute to really look at it, to appreciate the effort and love that went into it? That’s finding greatness in the ordinary.

In a world that’s constantly pushing us to look for the next big thing, it’s easy to forget the value of the everyday. But when we shift our focus from the sensational to the simple, we often find that life is richer and more fulfilling. So next time you’re tempted to overlook the ordinary, remember that it’s often where the real magic happens.