I ran across this great quote in a new book I’m reading called “Three Cups of Tea”. The book is amazing. The man’s story is unbelievable. But this is not my attempt at a book review.
Here’s the quote: Greatness is always built on this foundation: The ability to appear, speak and act, as the most common man.
(Shams-ud-din Muhammed Hafiz)

I read that quote and actually stopped what I was doing at that moment. I read it again. There is so much truth in that little statement. In today’s world it seems we are sold the idea that greatness is built on a foundation of wealth, power and status. We turn on the television and are bombarded with all the things we need to make us great.
The entertainment shows, parade the latest fashions before our noses and say this is what you need to be someone. We are lead to believe, he or she who regurgitates the most facts is the smartest and fairest of them all. If you live in the right house, on the right block, near the right people, you are all right?
Why do we buy into this stuff? Who made up the rules? I think they’re wrong. I don’t think that’s what builds greatness at all. Sure, there are great people, in big and small houses. There are movie stars who are great and smart people who do great things.
But common is just so…..real. I almost said common is just so common but then you’d say, Rick, come…on.(smile)
I read a story where Abraham Lincoln heard some people at a party talking about how common he looked. He said something like; He thinks God really likes common people, which is why He made so many of them.