"وقتی بچه بودم، مادرم به من گفت: "اگر سرباز شوی، ژنرال خواهی شد. اگر راهب شوی، در نهایت پاپ خواهی شد." اما من نقاش شدم و در نهایت پیکاسو شدم."

This quote is all about potential and the belief in one's own capabilities. Picasso's mother instilled in him the idea that whatever path he chose, he could reach the pinnacle of that field. The core message here is about confidence and setting high expectations for oneself. It’s the notion that with the right mindset and determination, you can achieve greatness in whatever you do.

Historically, Picasso was born in the late 19th century, a time when careers were often dictated by family expectations and societal norms. His mother’s encouragement was progressive, emphasizing ambition and self-belief over conformity. This quote reveals not only Picasso's journey but also the universal truth that our childhood influences and the confidence placed in us can shape our destinies.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Think about Oprah Winfrey. She had a troubled childhood, faced numerous hardships, and was often told she’d never amount to anything. However, her grandmother instilled in her a sense of self-worth and confidence. Oprah chose the path of media and talk shows, and we all know how that turned out—she became a media mogul, one of the most influential people in the world. Just like Picasso, she didn't follow a traditional path, but the belief in her potential led her to greatness.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by believing in yourself and your abilities. Set high standards for what you want to achieve. Don’t limit yourself based on what others perceive as your potential. Imagine you want to become a chef. Don’t just aim to be a good cook—aim to become a world-renowned chef. It’s about setting your sights high and knowing that with dedication, you can get there.

Picture this: you're at a crossroads in your career. You're an engineer, but you’ve always had a passion for writing. Most people around you might think it’s impractical to switch fields, but remember Picasso’s story. If you truly believe in your writing abilities and work hard at honing your craft, you could become the next great novelist. It’s not about the field you choose; it’s about the passion and effort you put into it.

Imagine you're sitting in a coffee shop with a friend, discussing your future. You tell them about your dream of opening a bakery. They might laugh and say, “That’s a tough business.” But think about Picasso. If he’d listened to naysayers, we wouldn’t have his incredible art today. So, you tell your friend, “I’m going to be the best baker in town, maybe even the country.” And you truly believe it. You start small, learn everything you can, and pour your heart into your work. Before you know it, your bakery is the talk of the town, and you’re living your dream.

In essence, the quote is a reminder to believe in our highest potential. It tells us that with confidence, hard work, and a refusal to be limited by others’ expectations, we can achieve greatness in any path we choose. So, whatever you’re passionate about, go for it with everything you’ve got. Who knows, you might just end up as the Picasso of your field.