Everything I've ever done was out of fear of being mediocre.

Everything I've ever done was out of fear of being mediocre.

The one who overcomes egotism rids themselves of the most stubborn obstacle that blocks the way to all true greatness read more

The one who overcomes egotism rids themselves of the most stubborn obstacle that blocks the way to all true greatness and all true happiness.

Mediocrity is self-inflicted. Genius is self-bestowed.

Mediocrity is self-inflicted. Genius is self-bestowed.

Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.

Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.

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

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

The appearance of a single great genius is more than equivalent to the birth of a hundred mediocrities.

The appearance of a single great genius is more than equivalent to the birth of a hundred mediocrities.

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

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

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

Egotism -- usually just a case of mistaken nonentity.

Egotism -- usually just a case of mistaken nonentity.