John Ruskin: 'Every great person is always being helped by everybody for their gift is to get good out of all things and all persons.'

Every great person is always being helped by everybody for their gift is to get good out of all things and all persons.

In the realm of personal growth and inspiration, there are numerous quotes that resonate deeply with individuals. One such quote, by the renowned writer and artist John Ruskin, captures the essence of greatness and the hidden dynamics underlying it: "Every great person is always being helped by everybody for their gift is to get good out of all things and all persons." At first glance, this quote suggests that those who achieve greatness are constantly receiving assistance and finding value in every aspect of life, including both things and people. It highlights the unique ability of exceptional individuals to extract positivity and insight from any situation or individual that crosses their path. To further explore this idea and introduce an intriguing philosophical concept, we delve into the nuances behind the quote and compare it to Nietzsche's concept of the eternal recurrence.Ruskin's quote encapsulates the fundamental belief that greatness is not achieved in isolation but through the collective support and influence of others. While popular culture often portrays great individuals as lone heroes, Ruskin asserts that their inherent gift lies in their capacity to extract goodness from everyone and everything around them. This concept challenges the traditional notion of greatness as an individualistic pursuit and instead suggests that the interconnectedness of people and our surroundings contribute significantly to our personal growth and achievements.Consider the real-life examples of great figures like Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela, whose impact on the world continues to inspire and transform lives. They both embodied Ruskin's idea by recognizing the valuable lessons imparted by each person and situation they encountered during their fight for justice and equality. By maintaining an open mind and learning from diverse perspectives, they were able to draw strength, knowledge, and inspiration from the collective wisdom of humanity.Moreover, Ruskin's quote invites introspection and self-reflection, urging us to question our own approach towards personal growth. Do we actively seek the goodness and opportunities for growth in every person and experience we encounter? The quote challenges us to embrace a mindset that recognizes the intrinsic worth and potential for positive influence in all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstance.To further deepen our understanding, we can contrast Ruskin's perspective with Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the eternal recurrence. Nietzsche proposed a thought experiment wherein he asked individuals to consider the idea of living their lives repeatedly, with every moment being experienced over and over again for all eternity. This concept challenges us to confront the weight of our actions and decisions, as they would not only shape our present lives but also influence all future iterations.While seemingly disparate, Ruskin's belief that every person and thing can contribute to personal growth aligns with Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence. If we were to truly embrace the gift of extracting good from all people and situations, it could be seen as a way to ensure a life lived to its fullest, even in the face of Nietzsche's eternal recurrence.By combining these two philosophical concepts, we arrive at a harmonious understanding of greatness and personal growth. The ability to extract goodness and value from all aspects of life not only nourishes our present existence but also resonates with the perpetual recurrence of our choices and experiences. By engaging with the world and its inhabitants in such a manner, we actively shape ourselves into individuals capable of embracing life's challenges and transforming setbacks into opportunities for growth.In conclusion, John Ruskin's quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of greatness and personal growth by highlighting the gift of extracting good from all things and all persons. It challenges the notion of isolation and individualism often associated with greatness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our lives and the power of collective support. Furthermore, when viewed in conjunction with Nietzsche's concept of eternal recurrence, Ruskin's quote takes on an even deeper significance, inspiring us to live our lives fully and consciously. By embracing this mindset, we can cultivate a life of perpetual growth and make every moment a remarkable journey towards greatness.