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MEDIOCRITY AND EXCELLENCE “I’ll never make it to Stelle — I’m too
mediocre. What do I have to offer?” That statement is surprisingly common
from persons who would like to enjoy being members of The Stelle Group but
who are apprehensive because of The Stelle Group standards of excellence. Mediocrity is sustained by a mental
attitude; usually an attitude that has found an
ordinary, comfortable, indifferent rut — and sits in it. By its very nature,
mediocrity would not lead a person to seek those standards of excellence
required by the Brothers. However, most people who feel “too mediocre” are
judging themselves on the basis of superficial
social standards and are perhaps overlooking their genuine potentials. Advertising, television, motion pictures
and the nationwide celebrity consciousness tends to establish the idea that
because one is not flamboyant, glib and outgoing, he or she is mediocre.
Vivaciousness is attractive, but it isn’t
necessarily a superior quality. All too often an
eye-catching, obtrusive person is merely a social mirage. One of the most common reasons a person
considers himself mediocre is that he was a poor
student in school. This is reasonable; but realizing the value of education
as a preliminary step toward excellence, the awakening person may begin
seriously educating himself. A confirmed mediocre person remains indifferent
and avoids the effort of acquiring education. The attitude change that makes
one aware of his lack in education signals an inner desire for excellence. Many a previously poor student suddenly
develops the potential for being an excellent student of Life after seriously
pondering his place in the Universe. Such musing is far from mediocre. The
mediocre person seldom ponders even his place in society. It may be generally assumed, then, that persons seriously
inquiring of The Stelle Group, and seriously seeking to build a better way of
Life are not committed to mediocrity. They may never have seen a purpose in
life before but now have found a goal to strive for. Feelings of mediocrity may
be compounded in persons who are shy and quiet but who admire
outgoing, vivacious people and thus judge themselves lacking by comparison.
One can present himself in so outgoing a manner that little is coming in. Tinselled images of romance and love
embroidered in pseudo-sensuousness may cause persons to look at their
marriage as mediocre. Remaining devoted to a loved one through the difficult
adjustment period and financially-trying times of a
new marriage indicates potential — not mediocrity. A true capacity for devotion and love
frequently eludes flashy, flamboyant personalities. Many a young wife who
makes a chore of her daily tasks while being wooed by the glitter of
stereotyped Stelle will be
populated by thousands of different individuals, all seeking human
perfection, yet all far from perfect. Everyone in
Stelle cannot be vivacious and outgoing or exceptionally gifted —
rather there will be a balance among the diverse personalities and talents.
It is true that mediocrity is unacceptable to Stelle, and it behooves one to
contemplate where one stands in relation to excellence. Truly mediocre persons most often are
seeking an easier way of life rather than seeking to build a better way of
life. It does not require excellence to want a better world, but it requires
a great deal of excellence to build one. What does anyone have to offer Stelle?
Those with enough interest to ask soon learn that Stelle is a step in the
Great Plan of the Brotherhoods, and one of its major
goals is to establish excellence as the basis of future Civilization. |
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