WHO CAN BE CALLED A GREAT MAN?
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Military Heroes and Their Impact
Military heroes like Alexander, Caesar, and Napoleon are often considered
great because of their resounding victories and ability to make historical
epochs. They become great without waiting for recognition, akin to a lion
among deer, as their contemporaries are awed by their power and success.
However, the speech argues that the long-term impact of military leaders on
society is small. Their conquests often diminish over time, and even powerful
figures like Napoleon left France smaller than he found it. Ultimately, their
legacies fade, leaving little lasting influence on society's character, with their
actions being more transitional than transformative.
Defining Greatness Beyond Military Achievements
The question of greatness becomes more complex when applied to
non-military figures, as there is no universal test for greatness. Different
thinkers offer various criteria, focusing on moral and intellectual qualities.
Carlyle's View: Sincerity as the Foundation of Greatness
Thomas Carlyle, known for his philosophy of Hero Worship, defined greatness
primarily through sincerity. According to him, a great man must be deeply
sincere—so much so that his sincerity is unconscious and natural. Carlyle warns
against superficial or boastful sincerity, which he considers self-conceit. A truly
great man doesn't need to declare himself sincere; it is inherent and not
dependent on conscious effort. This sincerity, in Carlyle's view, is the first and
essential characteristic of any heroic individual.
Lord Rosebery's View: Genius and Natural Power
Lord Rosebery offered a different perspective, particularly when analyzing
Napoleon. He argued that greatness does not necessarily require moral
excellence. In his view, Napoleon was great because of his extraordinary
intellect, energy, and natural power—qualities that made him stand out
beyond ordinary humanity. Rosebery emphasized that genius, intellectual
prowess, and dominance are key attributes of a great man, regardless of moral
considerations.
Philosophers' View: Social Regeneration and Divine Guidance
Another school of thought, influenced by philosophers who believe in divine
intervention, defines greatness through the lens of social purpose. According to
this view, a great man is sent into the world as a force of change—a "scourge
and scavenger" meant to cleanse and regenerate society. This perspective sees
greatness as rooted in a divine or natural mission to lead society onto the right
path.
Synthesizing the True Test of a Great Man
The speech concludes that none of the individual tests of greatness—sincerity,
intellect, or divine mission—is complete on its own. Sincerity is essential
because it encompasses all moral qualities, but sincerity alone is insufficient. A
person can be sincere but lack intellect, rendering them incapable of true
greatness. Intellect, as the guiding light, is equally necessary because it helps
an individual navigate society's crises and offer solutions. However, intellect
and sincerity combined still do not fully define greatness.
Distinguishing a Great Man from an Eminent Individual
At this point, the speech distinguishes between a merely eminent individual
and a truly great man. Sincerity and intellect are enough to make someone
eminent, but they do not elevate a person to the status of a great man. For
true greatness, an individual must be driven by a social purpose and act as a
force for societal change. This social purpose is what distinguishes a great man
from someone who is simply notable or accomplished. A great man, therefore,
is someone who actively works to transform and improve society, not just
through personal qualities but through a commitment to social regeneration.
What three tests of greatness does Ambedkar deliberate in the essay?
In the speech, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar deliberates on three different tests of
greatness, each proposed by various thinkers to define what makes a person
truly great.
1. Carlyle’s Test: Sincerity as the Foundation of Greatness
The first test of greatness discussed by Ambedkar comes from Thomas Carlyle,
the proponent of Hero Worship. Carlyle believes that sincerity is the most
crucial characteristic of a great man. He defines sincerity not in superficial
terms, but as a deep, genuine trait that cannot be consciously claimed or
boasted about. According to Carlyle, a great man’s sincerity is natural and
instinctive, and he is often unaware of it himself. It is not about outwardly
professing honesty but rather an inherent, authentic alignment with truth. For
Carlyle, sincerity is the fundamental quality of greatness, without which a
person cannot be considered heroic or great in any capacity.
2. Lord Rosebery’s Test: Intellectual Prowess and Genius
The second test comes from Lord Rosebery, who evaluates greatness through
the example of Napoleon. Rosebery distinguishes between moral qualities and
intellectual brilliance, suggesting that greatness does not necessarily require
moral superiority. For him, a great man is someone with extraordinary intellect,
energy, and dominance, even if he lacks moral attributes. Napoleon is
considered great, not because of his ethical virtues, but because of his sheer
intellectual power and genius. In Rosebery’s view, a great person embodies a
rare combination of intellect and energy that sets him apart from ordinary
individuals, making him "supreme" and "extraordinary." This test focuses on
the exceptional natural power and genius that propel a person beyond the
ordinary boundaries of humanity.
3. The Philosophers’ Test: Social Purpose and Divine Mission
The third test comes from philosophers who believe in the divine guidance of
human affairs. Their view of greatness extends beyond personal qualities and
focuses on the role of the individual in shaping society. According to this
perspective, a great man is a force of nature or divine will, sent into the world
to cleanse, reform, and regenerate society. He acts as a “scourge and
scavenger,” correcting societal ills and guiding humanity towards the right path.
This test suggests that greatness is defined by one’s capacity to effect social
change and lead society toward renewal, often through drastic and
transformative actions.
Ambedkar critiques all these tests as partial and incomplete. While sincerity,
intellect, and social purpose are all necessary elements of greatness, they are
insufficient on their own. A truly great man, according to Ambedkar, must
combine sincerity with intellect and be driven by a larger social purpose to
bring about meaningful change in society.
