*Ahem* I have a question...

Are people born great or is greatness something that is acquired? Seeing all the infamous works of art in person, composed by the likes of Manet, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Dali, etc. makes one think. How rare do people such as themselves grace us with their presence? Why is it that no recent artists are as celebrated as those aforementioned? Dali created works most recently out of the list with his final works dating the 1970’s. Have we concluded our “greats” in the area of art? Is there no more room in the Louve or other well known museums for new artists to leave their mark? Or is it that we are too ignorant, arrogant or narrow minded to recognize greatness until it is too late?

I would assume most of the artist did not become famous until after they passed away. Thereby making their works in higher demand as there was a finite supply of works to sample from. Are people considered “greater” only after it is too late for them to prove us incorrect? Are people perceived “better” after they are gone because we forget about the positive and negative outliers of behavior, and conclude an opinion based on an overall average of “greatness?” On the “greatness” continuum where do I fall? Surely I have made some accomplishments which may be considered “grand” on my scale, yet mundane to others. And possess traits I regard as “average” which others may deem rare and highly sought.

Is greatness relative when compared to those we have encountered in our lifetime? When surrounded by greatness do our own successes not appear as worthy? Is it more beneficial to surround ourselves with those we perceive as “greater,” “comparable” or “less of a threat?”
Sitting next to two young men at the Grand Palace in Brussels. One sketching the aging walls, the other gingerly cradling a cigarette between two fingers, furiously scribbling passionate thoughts on his notepad. Do these gentlemen have what is takes to be considered a “great?” The artist appeared to be quite talented. The writer only pausing briefly to gaze up, observe his next inspiration, and continue. Am I sitting in the midst of a future Hemingway and Manet? Will I not know it until they are no longer able to speak for themselves?

Or are people only great is we are able to divide their lives into different parts? The Blue period v. the Rose period of Picasso, the Rise v. the Fall of an Emperor, the Depression v the Euphoria of a Poet. Do our lives need to be compartmentalized displaying varying periods of difficulty followed by triumph in order to prove ourselves to others? In order to some way make in the most unobtainable ego human?

Are some people unworthy of greatness? As in undeserving, incapable or too simple minded. Those who have never experienced success, but at the same time will never experience defeat. Those people who are merely brought to this planet “to exist.” Thus giving others a point of reference of how not to be. “You must work hard so you don’t end up like them.” The elusive, overwhelming image of becoming one of “them.” Those who measure greatness not by how others view them, but by the love in their heart and the family sitting at the table.