True Greatness

Primary greatness reflects the real character of the individual (Character Ethic), whereas secondary greatness relates to learned skills, talent and quality traits in certain areas (Personality ethic).

Secondary greatness relies on skills or techniques that are usually learned via an artificial system like education, theories etc. and are often used as "quick fix" or accelerator in work life (promotion) to skip the long journey of developing deeper character traits. They may be suitable to "play the game", but in the long run the real qualities of a person will shine through and either support or destroy ones way in life.

Many people with secondary greatness tend to lack important character traits. As Emerson put it once: "What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I can't hear what you say".

ref.: The 7 Habits of highly effective people - Steven R.?Covey p. 21-22