“Those who aim at great deeds must also suffer greatly.”
This powerful statement, often attributed to the ancient Greek historian Plutarch, cuts to the heart of ambition. It suggests an unbreakable link between monumental achievement and significant hardship. The quote serves as both an inspiration and a warning. It tells us that the path to creating something truly remarkable is rarely easy. Instead, it is paved with challenges, sacrifices, and moments of profound struggle. But is this suffering a necessary price for greatness, or simply an unfortunate byproduct?
This idea resonates through history and across all fields of human endeavor. From artists to scientists and leaders to innovators, the stories of great achievers are often marked by periods of intense difficulty. Therefore, understanding this dynamic is crucial for anyone who dares to dream big. It prepares us for the inevitable obstacles we will face on our own journeys toward meaningful goals.
What Are ‘Great Deeds’?
When we hear the phrase “great deeds,” our minds might jump to famous historical events or groundbreaking inventions. While those certainly qualify, the concept is much broader. A great deed is any pursuit that pushes the boundaries of what is known or comfortable. It is an act that requires vision, courage, and an unwavering commitment to a goal that is larger than oneself.
For example, a scientist working for decades on a cure for a disease is aiming at a great deed. An entrepreneur risking their life savings to build a company that changes an industry is also on this path. Furthermore, an artist who pours their soul into creating a masterpiece that challenges societal norms performs a great deed. These actions require a departure from the safe and predictable. They demand innovation and a willingness to face the unknown, which is where the potential for suffering begins.
Ultimately, a great deed is defined by its impact and the intention behind it. It seeks to create lasting value, solve a difficult problem, or inspire humanity in a new way. It is not about personal glory but about contribution. This focus on a higher purpose often provides the fuel needed to endure the hardships that accompany such ambitious undertakings.
The Inevitable Nature of Suffering
The quote insists that suffering isn’t just a possibility; it is a necessity for those who aim high. This suffering manifests in many forms, extending far beyond physical hardship. It encompasses emotional, mental, and social challenges that test the limits of human endurance. Understanding these different facets of struggle helps clarify why it is so deeply intertwined with ambition.
The Internal Battles
Much of the suffering is internal. For instance, the creator faces constant self-doubt. They wonder if their vision is flawed or if they have what it takes to succeed. This internal critic can be relentless. Additionally, the loneliness of pursuing a unique path can be profound. While others follow conventional routes, the visionary often walks alone, misunderstood by friends and family who may not grasp the scale of their ambition. This isolation can lead to significant mental strain and emotional turmoil.
Moreover, the pressure to deliver on a grand vision is immense. Source The weight of expectation, both internal and external, can be crushing. This often leads to burnout, anxiety, and periods of deep despair when progress stalls. Researchers have found that entrepreneurs and other high achievers report higher rates of mental health challenges compared to the general population .
The External Obstacles
Beyond the internal struggles, great ambitions attract external resistance. Innovation, by its nature, disrupts the status quo. Consequently, pioneers often face skepticism, criticism, and outright opposition from those invested in the current way of things. Galileo faced persecution for his astronomical discoveries. Similarly, early civil rights leaders endured violence and imprisonment for their pursuit of justice.
Failure is another significant source of external suffering. The path to a great achievement is almost never a straight line. It is filled with setbacks, failed experiments, and moments where giving up seems like the only logical option. Each failure brings financial, professional, and emotional costs. However, it is the ability to learn from these failures and persevere that ultimately separates the successful from the discouraged. This resilience is forged in the crucible of suffering.
Is the Sacrifice Truly Worth It?
This question lies at the core of Plutarch’s assertion. If great deeds demand great suffering, is the outcome worth the price? There is no single answer, as the value of the exchange is deeply personal. For many, the sense of purpose derived from their work outweighs the pain. The knowledge that they are contributing to something meaningful provides the motivation to endure any hardship.
Consider Marie Curie, whose research into radioactivity exposed her to lethal radiation, ultimately contributing to her death. Her suffering was immense, yet her great deed revolutionized physics and medicine, saving countless lives. From a historical perspective, her sacrifice was undoubtedly worth the incredible benefit to humanity. However, the personal cost was the ultimate one.
On the other hand, some may find the cost too high. The pursuit of a great deed can strain relationships, damage health, and lead to a life of imbalance. It is a path that requires careful consideration. Aspiring individuals must weigh their ambition against their well-being and personal values. The key is to find meaning not just in the destination but also in the struggle itself. When the journey has purpose, the suffering can be reframed as a necessary part of growth rather than a pointless burden.
Conclusion: Embracing the Struggle
Plutarch’s words are not meant to discourage ambition. Instead, they offer a realistic perspective on the journey to greatness. They remind us that meaningful achievements are not handed out freely; they are earned through perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The suffering is not an anomaly but an integral part of the process that forges the character, strength, and wisdom required to do something truly great.
Ultimately, those who aim for great deeds must be prepared to embrace the struggle. They must understand that setbacks are lessons, that doubt is a test of conviction, and that sacrifice is often a prerequisite for impact. By accepting this reality, we can better navigate the challenging path toward our most ambitious goals. The suffering, while great, becomes a testament to the magnitude of the deed itself.