George Eliot: 'Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.'

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.

In her insightful quote, George Eliot, the renowned English writer, suggests that greatness is not achieved through impulsive actions, but rather through the accumulation of many small efforts. This quote encapsulates the idea that impactful achievements arise from a deliberate and purposeful sequence of actions, rather than from any sudden bursts of inspiration or whim. Eliot's words emphasize the significance of consistency, dedication, and the recognition that a series of small, incremental steps can ultimately lead to remarkable accomplishments. However, in exploring the deeper meaning of this quote, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that further enriches our understanding of greatness: the theory of epiphenomenalism.Epiphenomenalism posits that thoughts, feelings, and consciousness are byproducts of physical processes in the brain, and do not have a causal effect on the world. It suggests that our actions and decisions might be the result of subconscious processes, with our conscious experience merely observing and perceiving these involuntary outcomes. This philosophical idea allows us to consider how seemingly small and insignificant choices might have profound consequences, as we might not fully comprehend the underlying processes driving our actions.When we apply the principles of epiphenomenalism to Eliot's quote, it brings forth an intriguing contrast. On one hand, we have the concept of significant achievements arising from a series of small actions, implying that deliberate effort and conscious intention drive greatness. On the other hand, epiphenomenalism suggests that our consciousness might merely be an observer, with little control over the processes that lead to these achievements. This introduces a fascinating paradox: how can deliberate effort and conscious intention be decisive if our consciousness is merely an observer of our actions?Exploring this paradox can lead us to a profound realization: while we may not have complete control over the subconscious processes that drive our actions, we do have the power to shape our habits and engage in intentional practices that can increase the likelihood of achieving greatness. In other words, while we may not have direct control over the processes leading to our actions, we can indirectly influence these processes through conscious decision-making. By consistently choosing actions aligned with our goals and values, we can shape the underlying subconscious processes and increase the probability of achieving our desired outcomes.Returning to Eliot's quote, this philosophical exploration deepens our understanding of the importance of the series of small things in achieving greatness. It highlights the significance of cultivating deliberate habits and intentional practices, as these small actions become the building blocks of our achievements. Rather than relying solely on impulse or waiting for a stroke of inspiration, dedicating ourselves to consistent effort allows us to incrementally progress towards greatness.Consider the analogy of a sculptor shaping a masterpiece. The sculptor does not create a work of art in one swift motion but rather chisels away, small and precise, until the final form emerges. Each meticulous strike of the chisel may seem insignificant, but when brought together, they mold the sculpture into a breathtaking masterpiece. Similarly, our actions and choices, though seemingly small on their own, accumulate over time to shape the grand narrative of our own lives.In conclusion, George Eliot's quote, "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together," carries profound wisdom. It reminds us of the importance of intentional actions and deliberate efforts in achieving greatness. While the philosophical concept of epiphenomenalism may introduce a contrasting perspective, it deepens our understanding by acknowledging that although our consciousness may not have direct control over the processes underlying our actions, we can still influence them through deliberate choices and intentional practices. Thus, let us embrace the power of consistent dedication and recognize that remarkable achievements stem from the accumulation of countless small steps, ultimately culminating in a truly great outcome.