What does it mean to be Great?

[excerpt from Superman Unveiled, soon to be available in Audiobook format, produced by David Bosco]

They both fell silent for quite some time. Juanes disappeared again.

“May I ask your name?” “Of course, I am Magdalena Maria Del Calvario. At least that’s what my mother named me. However I’m not one for traditional Spanish names with their fifteen syllables, so I go simply by Magdalena Calvario, or Magda, to friends.” “Magda. I like that. May I call you so?” “Yes, but only if you’ll tell me yours.” “I am Magno De Santi.” “Did your parents name you that?” “My father, yes.” “Magno. Hmm, he knew you would be a great man then, correct?” “He hoped I would have been, but I am not. If that was his vision for me then I have let him down.” “So you are not great. You are small?” “Yes, I am small and ignoble. Certainly not worthy of such a name as ‘Magno.’” “It’s too bad you feel that way.” “Why should I feel bad, if it’s the truth? Perhaps you have found the first man since your deceased boyfriend who doesn’t shy away from truth.” “That’s only your truth because you believe it in your heart, and that is obvious.” “Should I pretend to be something I’m not?” “You should live up to be the man you can be, but aren’t.” “It’s not that easy, I have tried. But I always fail.” “Then you have tried in deeds, while your heart remains remote. As long as your heart is disengaged, your actions will amount to nothing.” “I’ve never met anyone who speaks like you.” “You were not ready to meet a one like me before, perhaps you are ready now.”