Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker notes that mediocrity can be innate, achieved, or imposed.
- In plain terms
- Mediocrity can be born, earned, or forced on you.
- What can you take from it?
- Understand the sources of mediocrity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you living up to your potential?
- What pushes you toward mediocrity?
Another view
It oversimplifies the complex factors behind success and failure.
More from Joseph Heller
'Let someone else get killed!' 'Suppose everyone on our side felt that way?' 'Well then I'd certainly be a damned fool to feel any other way, wouldn't I?'
Permalink to quote #10 The case against Clevinger was open and shut. The only thing missing was something to charge him with.
Permalink to quote #12 'From now on I'm thinking only of me.' Major Danby replied indulgently with a superior smile: 'But, Yossarian, suppose everyone felt that way?' 'Then,' said Yo…
Permalink to quote #9
Related quotes
Sometimes I worry about being a success in a mediocre world.
Jane WagnerJane Wagner quote #20 The coolest thing I've gotten to do in the past few years is guest star on Sesame Street.
Norah JonesNorah Jones quote #1 There are very many characteristics which go into making a model civil servant. Prominent among them are probity, industry, good sense, good habits, good tempe…
Chester A. ArthurChester A. Arthur quote #1