Perseverance - a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.

- Ambrose Bierce

In any area of human endeavour, there is going to be mediocrity. You're going to find people who get money that they shouldn't get.

- Bill Bryson

Mediocrity scares me. It's the fear of not being as good as you want to be. If you give over to that fear, it will sabotage you. As much as I can, I try to use that fear to guide me.

- Chris Pine

We gain nothing by being with such as ourselves. We encourage one another in mediocrity. I am always longing to be with men more excellent than myself.

- Charles Lamb

I want to add something worthwhile rather than just chucking loads of stuff into the world. I don't want to feel responsible for adding to the soup of mediocrity.

- Bat for Lashes

Any corporate policy and plan which is typical of the industry is doomed to mediocrity. Where this is not so, it should be possible to demonstrate that all other competitors are at a distinct disadvantage.

- Bruce Henderson

I think we live in an age of increasing mediocrity.

- Dick Cavett

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

- Arthur Conan Doyle

Private-equity and hedge-fund guys typically come into a situation of mediocrity, where rapid change may result in a profit.

- Austin Ligon

There's so much in the 21st century that is stymied by bureaucracy and mediocrity and committee.

- Benedict Cumberbatch

Fame can take interesting men and thrust mediocrity upon them.

- David Bowie

Nothing is as approved as mediocrity, the majority has established it and it fixes its fangs on whatever gets beyond it either way.

- Blaise Pascal

The real Antichrist is he who turns the wine of an original idea into the water of mediocrity.

- Eric Hoffer

I try to keep an open mind but I'm so tired of the mediocrity.

- Clea Duvall

Literature is air, and I'm suffocating in mediocrity.

- Armand Assante

To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.

- Confucius

Go for the gold: better one great column and some undistinguished ones than constant mediocrity.

- Allan Sloan

The world doesn't need any more mediocrity or hedged bets.

- Anne Rice

People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.

- Andrew Carnegie

Mediocrity can talk, but it is for genius to observe.

- Benjamin Disraeli