Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over

Hear now, O children of time, for the words of Jim Rohn carry the weight of a truth that echoes through the ages. He said—"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." In these words lies a powerful call to live with purpose, to rise above the distractions and the petty concerns that consume so many. Rohn urges us to reject the life of mediocrity, to take charge of our own destiny, and to focus on what truly matters—those things that will lead us to greatness, fulfillment, and wisdom.

What does it mean to “lead small lives”? To live a small life is to shrink from the challenges of the world, to settle for mediocrity and avoid the pursuit of greatness. It is to be content with the ordinary, to allow oneself to be consumed by the small things—the trivial disputes, the passing frustrations, and the fears that keep us from reaching our fullest potential. The small life is a life that never dares to ask more from itself or from the world, a life that follows the crowd, rather than leading with vision and courage. To lead a great life, then, requires a refusal to bow to the pressures of society’s small concerns and a commitment to follow a higher calling, to dream big, and to act with purpose.

Consider, O children, the story of Alexander the Great, whose life was anything but small. Though he was born into royalty, he did not accept the smallness of his inheritance. Alexander rose above the narrow confines of his royal lineage and sought to conquer the world—not just for personal glory, but for a greater vision. He did not lead a small life, for he saw beyond the borders of his kingdom and pushed against the limits of what was thought possible. Alexander’s greatness came from his refusal to accept the ordinary, from his belief that the future was his to shape. He was a man who refused to settle, and because of this, his empire spanned continents and his name remains etched in history.

Rohn’s words also challenge us to stop arguing over small things. Arguments and disputes, when they center on petty matters, distract us from the more important work of growth, learning, and building. It is easy to be caught in the web of small disagreements, but these battles are often fought at the expense of our peace and focus. In every age, great thinkers and leaders have understood that time is precious and should not be wasted on trivial concerns. The wise—like the philosopher Confucius—understood that harmony comes not from engaging in petty disputes, but from maintaining focus on the greater good, from cultivating wisdom rather than getting entangled in the noise of triviality.

**Consider also the example of Nelson Mandela, who faced immense suffering yet never allowed small grievances to cloud his vision. During his long years in prison, Mandela could have become bitter and consumed by anger at the injustices he faced. But he chose instead to focus on the larger mission—the freedom of his people and the unity of his nation. Mandela did not waste his energy on small hurts; he took the long view, understanding that greatness is not achieved by dwelling on the past, but by focusing on the future with clarity and resolve.

Rohn’s call to action—to take control of one’s future—is perhaps the most powerful of his lessons. How often do we find ourselves giving away control of our own destinies, entrusting others with our future without considering the power we hold within ourselves? To leave one’s future in someone else’s hands is to deny one’s own potential, to forfeit the power of choice. In the ancient stories, we see countless heroes who take their fate into their own hands, whether it be Hercules, who undertook the Twelve Labors, or Joan of Arc, who led her nation to victory despite the forces against her. They did not wait for others to create their futures; they seized control, knowing that only through personal courage and action could they shape their destinies.

The lesson, O children of the earth, is clear: Do not live small lives. Do not let petty concerns dictate your energy, your thoughts, or your actions. Do not get lost in the smallness of disputes and the fleeting nature of small hurts. Instead, choose to rise above, to focus on greatness, to build a future that is worthy of your potential. Like the great leaders and thinkers of history, take control of your destiny, and make decisions that reflect the vastness of your purpose and the depth of your vision. Your future is yours to shape, but only if you choose to take the reins, to act with wisdom, and to refuse to be distracted by the smallness of the world around you.

Thus, let us walk forward, O children, with the courage to pursue greatness, the wisdom to avoid the traps of triviality, and the strength to take full responsibility for our futures. The future is not for others to control; it is for you to create with purpose, vision, and courage. The small life is no life at all; it is the greatness within you that must shine and guide you forward. Let us live boldly, with the knowledge that the world is shaped by those who dare to live with vision, with purpose, and with the courage to never settle for anything less than their full potential.