Mediocrity defined: “the quality or state of being mediocre.” To know more, we must define mediocre: “of moderate or low quality, value, ability or performance; ordinary, so-so.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary); “of only moderate quality; not very good; uninteresting, commonplace.” (dictionary.com.) With those definitions, who would strive to attain mediocrity? Surprisingly, many do for various reasons.
We all know people who prefer an unremarkable standard; some by intention, others by nature. While few people settle for poor, many satisfy themselves with mediocre, for they can muddle through the day, avoiding decisions, performing just enough to keep their job, but believing that on any given day they may rise to significance. The adage “No risk; no reward.” morphs into “No risk; no blame.” Mediocrity, however mundane, does merit some benefits. Consider the quote: “Only a mediocre person is always at his best.” (W. Somerset Maugham, English author, 1874—1965.) An outstanding performer can never make that claim.
The major difference between an outstanding performer and a mediocre counterpart distills to one phrase — work ethic, the road map to success. While mediocrity accepts the path of least resistance; work ethic travels the road of best possible. An egalitarian concern for “fairness” and “unhealthy competition” contributed to the weakening of our country’s fabled work ethic, which contributed to our national prosperity.
The march toward mediocrity heightened during the “participation trophy” age, when all participants, irrespective of ability, desire or contribution, received an award for just showing up. After all, why break a sweat when one can coast effortlessly across the finish line and gain the same award as everyone else?
The march toward mediocrity continues! At least half of of the states’ high schools, have expanded the “participation trophy” mentality by either (a) eliminating class ranking, or (b) altering or vacating the Valedictorian award, to curtail “unhealthy competition among students”. Please read: “You’re All No. 1! High Schools say ‘Vale’ to the Valedictorian.” (Wall Street Journal, October 7-8, 2017, page A1.) Some schools grant valedictorian distinction to any student who obtains a 4.0 GPA, a reachable goal for honor students taking advanced-level courses which grant higher than 4.0 for an A. Incredibly, an Arlington VA high school named 178 valedictorians, all achieving a 4.0 GPA, comprising one in three graduates. (op. cit.) Thus, each could claim valedictorian status on their college application, diluting the traditional excellence standard to a delusional “fairness” standard, bordering on deception.
Where will it end? Mediocrity will undermine the bedrock of our nation’s famed work ethic.