Why do we often not strive for excellence in our modern society? The answer is complex — societal ennui, probably. But, at its most simplistic, to attain a superior state in virtually anything requires an education and, ultimately, practice. This is Aristotle’s prescription for excellence (1) You must do an activity again and again and again — over a lengthy period, even for years — to achieve any level of proficiency. It is impossible to accomplish a task in the short term — this includes a relationship with yourself.
This brings us to the modern age: the age of convenience. Today, no one is pushing society to strive for excellence in every form of activity — perhaps only in school. This is an incomplete demand — reality is much more diverse than a test or a score. The attire for the modern person, for example, takes much less time to assemble — there being no elaborate buttons and bows to impede our toilette. (2)
In contemporary society, clothes do not have to be elegant — and most times they are not. It takes the average person, no time at all to get dressed. Therefore a person with this surfeit of time, in theory, should have more time to ponder and reflect — to think about excellence. This age of informality, however, has been mirrored by the Internet Age. This is a curious epoch because the wave of information precludes any time for contemplation and introspection.
The net result is that we live in an age of thoughtlessness. You must certainly ask yourself, why is our society seemingly drowning in violence, addiction, and anger? It is because people are truly not thinking critically. If you, as an individual, had the time to ponder, you would certainly want excellence in your life, wouldn’t you?
I want joy and fulfillment for everyone that I love. Life is hard, unfortunately. To aspire for excellence and happiness are difficult goals that require real effort over many years.
Thus, how does one begin? Any journey commences with a first step. Buy a notebook and begin to document your ideas of the day. What do I want out of my piece of life? I don’t know is the common answer. To ease this trepidation, realize that the answer is within you. You must simply uncover your greatness. It takes time, but it is there. Your ultimate mission is to uncover the excellence that is embedded within your life.
Will Durant (3) leaves us with a thought, often misattributed to Aristotle, but his intended clarification is sincere: Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather we have these because we have acted rightly; these virtues are formed in man by doing his actions; we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
A closing thought: I am often reminded when I attempt any activity and ask myself, “Am I doing my very best?” I am fulfilling this dictum. This is true whether my actions are of an inferior or superior nature. Self-knowledge is extremely important in life.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about excellence.
To be noted: From Walter Dale Miller (4) — Never approach a bull from in front, a horse from behind, or a fool from any direction.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg-An7TQBbI
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3xmqn6TT_Y
This week on your introspective walk, please ponder what excellence means to your life.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great!
Quote: Live your life in a state of wonder and imagination.
Footnotes:
1) Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, 1105b
“It is therefore well said that a person becomes just by doing just things and prudent from practicing wisdom. And, no one could ever approach being good without doing these things. But many who do not practice them flee to argument and believe that they are practicing philosophy and that they will become serious men in this way. They act the way sick people do who listen to their doctors seriously and then do nothing of what they were prescribed. Just as these patients will not end up healthy from treating their body in this way, so most people won’t change their soul with such philosophy.”
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_in_fashion
3) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Will-Durant-and-Ariel-Durant