This quote by Herodotus recommends that great accomplishments frequently require taking dangers. It suggests that in order to attain something truly exceptional, one should want to take a chance and put themselves in a susceptible position. This could suggest taking a financial danger, a physical risk, or a risk to one's track record. It could also suggest taking a risk to one's convenience or safety. The quote suggests that excellent deeds are not accomplished without taking risks, and that the greater the risk, the higher the potential reward. It is a reminder that in order to attain something truly excellent, one should be willing to take a chance and put themselves in a position of potential failure. It is a pointer that success is not achieved without taking dangers, and that the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"