Mediocrity Quotes

Idleness is fatal only to the mediocre.[L’oisiveté n’est fatale qu’aux médiocres.]

Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them.

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. And since mediocre people constitute the bulk of humanity, this is no doubt very properly so.

Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.

Everyone, either from modesty or egotism, hides away the best and most delicate of his soul’s possessions; to gain the esteem of others, we must only ever show our ugliest sides; this is how we keep ourselves on the common level.[Chacun, par pudeur ou par égoïsme, cache ce qu’il possède dans l’âme de meilleur et de plus délicat; pour se faire estimer, il ne faut montrer que les côtés les plus laids, c’est le moyen d’être au niveau commun.]

Don’t be intimidated by other people’s opinions. Only mediocrity is sure of itself, so take risks and do what you really want to do.[Não se deixe intimidar pela opinião dos outros. Só a mediocridade é segura, por isso corra seus riscos e faça o que deseja.]