Navigating the Dunes of Greatness: A Modern Stoic's Guide

Embracing Humility and Self-Awareness in the Face of Transitory Triumphs

“Greatness is a transitory experience. It is never consistent. It depends in part upon the myth-making imagination of humankind. The person who experiences greatness must have a feeling for the myth he is in. He must reflect what is projected upon him. And he must have a strong sense of the sardonic. This is what uncouples him from belief in his own pretensions. The sardonic is all that permits him to move within himself. Without this quality, even occasional greatness will destroy a man.” ― Frank Herbert, Dune

Doesn’t Herbert go deep into what it’s like to be seen as great? In Dune, this quote unravels the dance between public perception and personal identity. The struggle of being in the spotlight of greatness is no joke.

Being great isn’t just about accomplishing something extraordinary, according to Herbert. It also involves how others view these accomplishments. Greatness is magnified by people around you, creating a myth that can mess up your perspective.

The person who's built up in Herbert’s world has to navigate an elevated expectation from others while staying true to themselves. They have to see themselves from others' point of view without getting too consumed with it either. That sense of detachment is what keeps them grounded and prevents them from believing they’re infallible.

From a Stoic standpoint, this detachment can be compared to objectivity and self-awareness. It's all about recognizing the temporary nature of external validation and staying connected with your own core values and beliefs. You should be able to appreciate what’s good while being prepared for its loss — greatness is only temporary, after all.

Whether or not we’re put on pedestals ourselves, there are still some things we can learn from this reflection:

- Laugh at yourself and your circumstances.

- Seek value in internal validation rather than external admiration.

- Stay true to your core values and beliefs even if the world elevates you beyond them.

Herbert’s observation is a powerful reminder that feeling lost in greatness is normal, but working through it with awareness and irony will ultimately protect you.