The concept of ‘significance’ finds its roots in the Latin word ‘significare’ – a term that denotes the quality of being worthy of attention, importance, or of a noticeably or measurably large amount.
Insignificant – too small or unimportant to be worth consideration or meaningless.
There is a profound and complex philosophy that underpins the ‘significance of being insignificant.’
Embracing insignificance is not about being small or unimportant, but about being in harmony with something larger, and liberating oneself from self-importance and ego. It’s about fostering a meaningful connection rather than dominance. The essence of insignificance in life, in situations, and in relationships carries a profound significance.
Some people walk into a social gathering, throwing their weight around, expecting VIP status, and feeling insulted and disgraced if their importance is not acknowledged.
The other person sneaks in and, finding a reasonable seat, quickly adjusts to the ambience and enjoys the fiesta without any qualms or detest.
Now, let’s ponder: in these two scenarios, who do you think truly enjoys the gathering more? The one who demands recognition or the one who quietly savours the moment?
Stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, those who are considered insignificant often find more joy in their lives. For them, mediocrity can be a state of bliss. They feel liberated and free because they are not the centre of attention. Their everyday struggles, mistakes, and worries don’t weigh them down. Instead, they experience a profound sense of humility and social modesty, leading to enduring calm and peace. This is a testament to the tranquillity that can be found in embracing insignificance.
Consider the case of smoking in public places. Hundreds of people do it without attracting any notice or punishment. However, when the significant figure of Mr. Shah Rukh Khan was caught smoking in the Wankhede stadium during a match, he was banned and ostracised. Every word spoken and every deed accomplished by significant individuals is scrutinised and judged. This stark contrast clearly shows that significant individuals lead a socially claustrophobic life, paying a price for the importance they have earned or been bestowed upon. It’s a situation that calls for our empathy and understanding.
We draw closer to the truth and achieve universal consciousness when we subdue our ego and understand our existence as minuscule in the face of vastness. Insignificance is the doorway to significance on a higher pedestal, along with the authenticity and assurance of a simple and joyful life.
Someone correctly quoted that, “A drop in the ocean seems insignificant; yet without drops there is no ocean.”
Many people in society struggle with the notion that “I want my existence to matter”. They feel that their lives matter, yet at its root, they are suffering from the complex issue of searching for meaning, security, and love in their lives. Our brains are wired to seek and approve validation. In a changing world where everything is short-lived and fragile, importance offers a sense of permanence and recognition. This societal pressure to be significant is a powerful force that shapes our desires and actions.
The mayor of a city had his name engraved on stone tablets and large planters and placed them on every street and corner. Such people don’t trust their names to stay after they are gone from the coveted posts. There is an innate fear of being forgotten; hence, they hammer self-importance as a shield against that fear.
A significant amount of blame can be attributed to the way children have been raised in recent times. Parents and school pressure tiny brains to stand out in the crowd by striving to excel in either academics or extracurricular activities. The ones who stand out are accoladed and awarded, while the mediocre sit silently in the corners. The children are thrust into the flames of competition as they strive to carve out their niche. Survival is essential, but the associated psychological need to feel significant is a negative trait and should be banished. This pressure on children to be significant can have a detrimental effect on their mental and emotional well-being, and it’s a situation that should concern us all.
It’s good to be successful in life; it’s even better to be significant. However, striving for significance through deceitful means and manipulating opportunities and relationships is derogatory. Such people are opportunists and selfish to the core.
The secret remains – Do not choose one over the other, but strive to seek importance at the right time and prepare your mind and heart to rest in insignificance.
“Seeking importance” can cause temporary excitement and movement; it is rooted in ego, drives ambition, is fragile, creates pressure, and separates people and relationships.
“Accepting insignificance” — gives enduring calm and belonging; is rooted in humility and empathy; frees the spirit; provides mental and emotional stability; brings calmness and peace, and helps in connecting and nurturing relationships.
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Very well described.have a good day
Thanks a lot. Regards
Very nicely written, always a fan of your work
👍👍👏👏👏
Thanks a lot dear Indu. regards
Very nicely put, significance keep on shifting, in one group of the society a person may be significant while in other group of the society the same person may be totally insignificant
Thanks a lot dear. You are right about the shifting of significance.
regards
Dear Doctor Anuj,
A very “SIGNIFICANT” way of expressing what we all go through in our lives.
I enjoyed every single sentence that carries a message not only to myself but to our society as well.
You made a mention about how children of two distinct categories either are put on a pedestal or are silent spectators watching the indifference of others.
Hats off to you Doctor. You come up with the best topics.
Thanks a lot for the appreciation dear.
regards
Yes… The blog “The significance of being insignificant” is meaningful. It is true in real sense and is explicitly scripted. We are inherently blessed with a trait of seeking importance and stealing limelight as and when it’s available.Nevertheless, it is to be ascertained whether it’s going to last or wipe out shortly. As per old saying ‘slow and steady wins the race’ , implies perfectly on gaining significance by sheer dedication and commitment or it’s volatile.. Standing topper in the class continuously is a significant achievement, if it’s attained with hardwork and is devoid of ego and superiority. No doubt, his classfellows may appreciate him but at the same they will mince no words in saying that he is very proudy and egotistic. Such people may draw attention of the masses but for a miniscule period. On the other hand, mediocre or an average student tries to remain calm even on seeking a triumph. His significance is entirely based on his hard work and simplicity. His humility is acknowledged now by one and all. As very well said, insignificance is a door way to significance on a pedestal. Insignificance imbibed with truth, humility and hard work bears fruits of Significance in all domains of life. Attaining significance or importance gradually by adopting insignificant means is a success in real terms..A mind blowing article nicely scripted Dr Anuj..
“Attaining significance or importance gradually by adopting insignificant means is a success in real terms” …. how beautifully said.
Thanks a lot for your brilliant analysis and feedback.
regards
I am in process of publishing my best blogs in shape of a book so that it reaches the masses, particularly students.
Yes… The blog “The significance of being insignificant” is meaningful. It is true in real sense and is explicitly scripted. We are inherently blessed with a trait of seeking importance and stealing limelight as and when it’s available.Nevertheless, it is to be ascertained whether it’s going to last or wipe out shortly. As per old saying ‘slow and steady wins the race’ , implies perfectly on gaining significance by sheer dedication and commitment or it’s volatile.. Standing topper in the class continuously is a significant achievement, if it’s attained with hardwork and is devoid of ego and superiority. No doubt, his classfellows may appreciate him but at the same they will mince no words in saying that he is very proudy and egotistic. Such people may draw attention of the masses but for a miniscule period. On the other hand, mediocre or an average student tries to remain calm even on seeking a triumph. His significance is entirely based on his hard work and simplicity. His humility is acknowledged now by one and all. As very well said, insignificance is a door way to significance on a pedestal. Insignificance imbibed with truth, humility and hard work bears fruits of Significance in all domains of life. Attaining significance or importance gradually by adopting insignificant means is a success in real terms..A mind blowing article nicely scripted Dr Anuj..
When we accept insignificance, we stop trying to control the universe and start finding meaning in moments like smile, sunrise, song, shared silence.
It teaches us that life’s beauty doesn’t come from grandeur, but from simple existence.
Being insignificant doesn’t mean being meaningless.
It means recognizing that our value doesn’t depend on scale — but on sincerity, awareness, and presence.
Thanks a lot for your feedback. I totally agree with your views on the subject. As wisely said — Life’s beauty comes from simple existence, not from grandeur.
regards.
Superbly written article that provides significant insight into human behavior.
Thanks a lot dear friend for the appreciation.
regards
Really appreciate your writing skills and knowledge of the today scintillating world of self praise and self grandeur where significance of insignificant a great issue you choose. Very nicely written. My heartiest congratulations 🎉
Thank you so much sir for the appreciation. I am truly humbled by your comments. Hoping to hear from you more often on my blogs.
Regards.