What does "To be great is to be misunderstood" by Emerson mean exactly?
I think he meant something along the lines of this: In 1920 in London, at a conference of the world's greatest physicists...someone remarked to Einstein that only three men understood the concept of Relativity, to which Einstein replied "Who are the other two"?
The quote "To be great is to be misunderstood" by Emerson has a different meaning compared to the anecdote about Einstein you mentioned.
Emerson's quote suggests that when someone possesses great qualities or achieves greatness in some area, they are often misunderstood or not truly appreciated by others. The world may have difficulty comprehending or accepting the ideas, actions, or character of someone who is truly great. In this context, greatness refers to exceptional talent, intelligence, achievements, or revolutionary ideas.
The anecdote about Einstein, on the other hand, showcases his humility and wit. Einstein's response highlights that even a concept as groundbreaking as relativity can be challenging to fully grasp, implying that being understood may not necessarily be a marker of greatness.
Exploring the original quote in more detail, Emerson believed that individuals who possess exceptional qualities or ideas are often ahead of their time or go against the prevailing norms and opinions of society. This leads to them being misunderstood by others who are not able to fully perceive or appreciate their greatness. Emerson suggests that being misunderstood can be a consequence and even a sign of true greatness.
To fully understand the meaning of a quote like this, it's important to consider the context in which it was said. In the case of Emerson, his philosophy often centered around individualism, self-reliance, and the importance of thinking independently. The quote reflects these ideas and encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and not expect widespread understanding or acceptance.