Tom Hanks: 'If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great.'

If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great.

'If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great.' These wise words spoken by the legendary actor Tom Hanks hold a profound truth about the nature of achievement. They emphasize the significance of perseverance, dedication, and resilience in the pursuit of greatness. Hanks suggests that the very difficulties encountered along the way are what make a task truly remarkable and worthy of appreciation.To comprehend the essence of this quote, one must reflect on the fundamental human desire for accomplishment. Achieving something worthwhile requires effort and dedication. If every goal were easy to attain, then there would be no sense of fulfillment or distinction in our achievements. The challenges we face in reaching our goals test our resolve and push us to dig deep into our reserves of strength and determination.Consider a simple analogy: climbing a mountain. If the path were smooth and the ascent effortless, it would likely be unremarkable and devoid of any significant personal growth. However, when faced with treacherous terrain, strong winds, and steep inclines, reaching the mountaintop becomes an extraordinary feat of human willpower. The obstacles that make it arduous are precisely what make the journey a defining experience.This quote not only applies to physical challenges but also to various endeavors in life, such as pursuing a career, learning a new skill, or overcoming personal hardships. It reminds us that the most rewarding accomplishments are often the ones that require perseverance and resilience. It is through facing and overcoming difficulties that we develop character, acquire new skills, and discover our true potential.Now, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to explore a different perspective – the concept of the absurd, as introduced by philosopher Albert Camus. Camus argues that the human search for meaning and purpose in an inherently meaningless world is an absurd endeavor. This existential absurdity arises from the contradictory nature of human existence.In light of this concept, one might question the significance of the quote. If life is ultimately absurd, why should we strive to overcome challenges and seek greatness? However, this philosophical argument can be seen as complementing rather than contradicting Hanks' statement. While life may be fundamentally absurd, it is precisely through embracing the absurdity and persevering through challenges that we find purpose and create meaning.In a world devoid of inherent meaning, the pursuit of greatness becomes an act of defiance against the absurd. By taking on difficult tasks and striving to overcome obstacles, we assert our own agency and create meaning through human determination and willpower. The very act of confronting and transcending difficulties allows us to carve out our own purpose, defying the inherent absurdity of existence.In essence, Tom Hanks' quote speaks to the human spirit's capacity to find greatness and meaning in the face of challenges and obstacles. It reminds us that the path to achievement is rarely easy but is always transformative. By embracing the hard, we discover our own strength, resilience, and ability to overcome. In this way, we rise above the absurdity of existence and create a meaningful narrative in our lives.So, let us remember Tom Hanks' words: 'If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great.' May they inspire us to embrace the difficulties in our pursuit of greatness, to find meaning in the face of the absurd, and to cherish the transformative journey that lies ahead.