Mediocrity Quotes

The very minute a thought is threatened with publicity it seems to shrink towards mediocrity.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

In this country we encourage "creativity" among the mediocre, but real bursting creativity appalls us. We put it down as undisciplined, as somehow "too much.".

Pauline Kael

There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.

Norman Vincent Peale

People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.

Andrew Carnegie

Mediocrity" doesn't mean average intelligence, it means an average intelligence that resents and envies its betters.

Ayn Rand

The general tendency of things throughout the world is to render mediocrity the ascendant power among mankind.

John Stuart Mill

A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one.

Mary Kay Ash

Most of our pocket wisdom is conceived for the use of mediocre people, to discourage them from ambitious attempts, and generally console them in their mediocrity.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Mediocrity doesn't mean average intelligence, it means an average intelligence that resents and envies its betters.

Ayn Rand

Nothing is as approved as mediocrity, the majority has established it and it fixes it fangs on whatever gets beyond it either way.

Blaise Pascal

A talent somewhat above mediocrity, shrewd and not too sensitive, is more likely to rise in the world than genius.

Charles Horton Cooley

All greatness of character is dependent on individuality. The man who has no other existence than that which he partakes in common with all around him, will never have any other than an existence of mediocrity.

James F. Cooper

There is a sacred horror about everything grand. It is easy to admire mediocrity and hills; but whatever is too lofty, a genius as well as a mountain, an assembly as well as a masterpiece, seen too near, is appalling.

Victor Hugo

The idea for which this nation stands will not survive if the highest goal free man can set themselves is an amiable mediocrity. Excellence implies striving for the highest standards in every phase of life.

John W. Gardner

The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views a mistake.

Nelson Boswell