The greatest of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them and not by their contemporaries.

Greatness is defined by people. Greatness is relative and situational. Greatness at one time in history might not be considered great in the future or vice versa. For example, the "great" invention of jeans by Levi Strauss was not considered important or a viable form of apparel. Jeans were only worn by mine workers. But, as the time passed, it became a necessary commodity and a sure shot component of the modern day wardrobe. The contemporaries sometimes fail to acknowledge or realize the importance of a great idea, thought, discovery or invention. And more often than not a discovery or an invention go unharnessed and uncredited. An example of "unnoticed greatness" is that of Benjamin Franklin. When he discovered the existence of electric charge in clouds, he was asked about the viability of this experiment. The usefulness was not noticed and the applications were not imagined. His answer was that maybe one day, the Government might be able to levy a tax on electricity. So true was his conjecture! And yet was not considered great at that time. Another example exists in the field of science, that of Galelleio. He was executed for the theories he gave regarding Astronomy! The people were orthodox and unwelcome to change or new ideas, neglecting the importance of such ideas in this process.

In other areas also the greatness was either not recognized or considered brazen audacity. Shakespeare's work, for example, relating to forbidden love and lust were considered vulgar and indecent. It was not accepted by Society. But, later on his works came to be considered as masterpieces.

An example from present can be that of MF Hussain, his paintings depicting Indian deities are considered extremely vulgar. Also the works of Salman Rushdie are met with criticism. These works generate severe controversies and are met with public hatred. Maybe in the future these works might be considered bold masterpieces and get enormous respect.

The examples are several and repercussions numerous. History shows us that the greatest of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them and not by their contemporaries.