The Definition of a Great Mind

We have to develop that sagacity which differentiates
between trivial matters and real issues. Without this, you
cannot do anything worthwhile for yourself or your society.

François de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680), the noted French author of maxims and memoirs, once said: ‘Small minds are much distressed by little things. Great minds see them all but are not upset by them.’

Life brings us all kinds of experiences. We have to live in a jungle in which all kinds of things, great and small, are intermingled. But, we have to be selective. We have to differentiate between things that are really great and things that have no importance at all in life. If you take everything seriously and without discernment, your focus will be scattered. You will give equal attention to everything without making any assessment of individual worth. In that way, your time and energy will be wasted. And you will not be able to accomplish anything of any value.

We have to develop that sagacity which differentiates between trivial matters and real issues. Without this, you cannot do anything worthwhile for yourself or your society.

If you board an express train, you will learn that express trains always ignore small stations, stopping only at large stations. Do as the express train does, and you will be able to reach your destination rapidly and in a frame of mind which will enable you to do much which is of value both to yourself and society.