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"Porque todos los hombres trágicamente grandes son hechos así a través de una cierta morbidez"

Herman Melville
Herman Melville Novelist
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Quote meaning
The core idea is basically this: people who achieve great things often have a streak of something dark or intense within them. It's like saying that their greatness is intertwined with some inner turmoil or obsession. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about how their struggles and imperfections fuel their achievements.

Historically, this idea has deep roots. Think about figures like Vincent van Gogh or Winston Churchill. Vincent, with his brilliant yet tormented mind, produced art that still moves people deeply today. Or Churchill, whose depression (he called it his "black dog") didn't stop him from leading Britain through World War II. This idea suggests that their greatness didn't come in spite of their struggles but partly because of them.

Now, let’s bring this down to a more relatable level. Picture a top chef, someone who’s renowned for their culinary masterpieces. Behind the scenes, this chef might be driven by an almost obsessive need for perfection, working late into the night to perfect a dish. Maybe they wrestle with anxiety about each new recipe or dish they create. It’s this intense, sometimes morbid dedication that pushes them to the heights of their career.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, recognize that your struggles can be your strengths. Don’t shy away from your darker moments or your intense passions. Embrace them. If you’re working on a project that consumes you, let it. Channel that energy, even if it feels a little morbid or obsessive at times. Also, don’t aim for some ideal of flawless greatness. Realize that your quirks, your struggles, can actually be what make you stand out.

Imagine you’re an aspiring writer. You’re constantly battling self-doubt and perfectionism. You stay up at night, rewriting the same sentence, obsessing over every word. Friends tell you to relax, but you can't. This quote reminds you that it’s okay to be a little morbid in your pursuit of greatness. It’s okay if your quest to craft the perfect story comes with its shadows. Your relentless drive, even on the tough days, is what could lead you to write something truly extraordinary.

Think of J.K. Rowling, for example. Before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon, she was a single mother on welfare, dealing with depression. She wrote in cafes while her baby slept, driven by a vision that she couldn't shake. That morbidness, that intensity of purpose despite her struggles, contributed to the magic she created.

So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own intensity, remember that it might be what's driving you towards your own version of greatness. Embrace it. Don’t run from it. Your morbidness might just be the key to your most remarkable achievements.
Related tags
Existentialism Greatness Human nature Inner struggle Literature Melancholy Philosophy Psychology Tragedy
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