Renouncement: the heroism of mediocrity.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
There are certain things in which mediocrity is not to be endured, such as poetry, music, painting, public speaking.
By adversity are wrought the greatest works of admiration, and all the fair examples of renown, out of distress and misery are grown.
The opportunities for heroism are limited in this kind of world: the most people can do is sometimes not to be as weak as they've been at other times.
Heroism in a bad cause.
Mediocrity is now, as formerly, dangerous, commonly fatal, to the poet; but among even the successful writers of prose, those who rise sensibly above it are the very rarest exceptions.
Heroism often results as a response to extreme events.
As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.
The simple act of caring is heroic.
Often, what allows someone to behave heroically in dire circumstances is unpalatable in day-to-day life.
When you have had a taste of excellence, you cannot go back to mediocrity.