One of the ironies in life is that to be considered excellent we must excel at appearing mediocre. Or we could simply be mediocre, and accept the label of excellence that will invariably be heaped undeservedly upon us not for our real accomplishments but rather for our meakness. Never daring to challenge norms, nor to seek change.
In truth, when excellence is practiced it leads to self ruin, despite mounting a majestic swell and leaving those in its wake better off. Further, those who benefit from the fruits of another's excellent effort or skill will likely begin to doubt their benefactor, as the rising tide of mediocrity drags gratefulness back down to indifference, then further to disdain.
Of course excellence is critical to progress. We must exert caution, however, to step over the beaten bodies and cursed minds of those who made this progress possible. The more we shout them down the more we will be gratefully ignored, and the more likely assigned credit for others accomplishments. By not appearing excellent- by not instilling fear or jealousy, we can ironically achieve our rightful heights.
Unfortunately, the sacrifice required to not appear excellent, tugs at the very soul of those of us who wish to make a difference. To cure, to invent, to rescue, to awe, to win, to move to tears of joy. How can these be done silently? If they are done so, then others may not be cured, or rescued, or moved to tears of joy.
To be excellent, therefore, we must not care about the consequences. We who are excellent do not pay heed to the opinions of others. We do not care for praise nor do we dwell on criticism. We do not understand or accept failure. Defeat is a word that is not in our vocabulary. I opened this discourse with a trick. We are excellent not to be considered so, but merely because it is the natural, unapologetic consequence of our efforts.
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