Mediocrity: A Form Of Happiness We Don’t Want

Let’s look up in awe instead

Photo by Thomas Claeys

Sadly Common

Over time, many of us will have spotted this sadly common pattern: hatred towards the remarkable. Granted, not all that is remarkable is always hated, but proficiency tends to come accompanied by a congregation of detractors in virtually any field. Over the years, we will all have seen such vitriol directed at professionals who excel at their jobs, especially if that excellence has led to success. The worst scenario, naturally, is when the hatred for what is special coalesces with the hatred for what is different from the established norm: if, in addition to being remarkable, you are also female, black, homosexual or a Muslim, you can expect double the trouble.

Particularly Bad

I have always deplored this need to lash out against extraordinary people. How can she be so clever, magnanimous, assertive and, on top of all of that, also good-looking? Mediocrity rains on anyone who happens to have done well in life even if they had to fight for every ounce of success they garnered. Hate is always a waste of time, but hating those who should inspire us is a particularly bad idea for the hater.

‘To the mediocre, mediocrity is a form of happiness.’

Friedrich Nietzsche