Why You Should Embrace Mediocrity | Crispin Thurlow | TED

Understanding Mediocrity and Status Anxiety

Personal Anecdote: A Trip to Stockholm

• The speaker recounts a work trip to Stockholm with their two children, aged 14 and 12, during school holidays.

• Upon entering the hotel room, the oldest son expresses frustration, stating "But this isn't elite," highlighting his expectations of what 'elite' should mean.

Lessons on Language and Expectations

• The son's comment reveals two key lessons about language: its influential nature and the slippery meanings that can lead to disappointment.

• The speaker reflects on societal pressures regarding excellence, leading to what philosopher Alain de Botton describes as "status anxiety."

Rethinking Mediocrity

• The speaker argues that not everyone can be exceptional; most people live ordinary lives by statistical averages.

• They propose reclaiming mediocrity, suggesting it has been unfairly stigmatized despite its roots meaning 'middle' or 'average.'

Embracing the Middle Ground

• The middle ground is portrayed as a privileged position—better than being at the bottom but not as good as being at the top.

• Recognizing one's own mediocrity without feeling like a failure is emphasized as a challenging yet necessary task in today's society.

Language of Superiority in Society

• The speaker discusses how they have tracked the pervasive language of superiority in everyday life.

• They introduce examples of how the term "elite" is used broadly across various industries, often in non-elite contexts.

Ubiquity of Eliteness

• Examples include elite grocery stores and salons that exist in decidedly non-prestigious environments, illustrating how 'elite' has become commonplace.

• This widespread use suggests an attempt to persuade individuals that status matters significantly and can be easily obtained.

Implications for Consumer Behavior

The Concept of "Premium" in Modern Marketing

Understanding the Appeal of "Premium"

• Aspiring to be better is often sufficient; the term “premium” exemplifies this concept, particularly in premium economy services offered by airlines.

• Premium economy can yield higher profits than business class, highlighting that "premium" signifies having a little extra compared to others rather than being the best.

• The term "premium" appears across various products globally, such as chocolates in Sweden and diapers in Poland, illustrating its widespread appeal and usage.

The Illusion of Superiority

• Premium products are often based on illusions of superiority; they provide a sense of having more but may not lead to lasting satisfaction.

• This phenomenon reflects what sociologist Pierre Bourdieu termed symbolic violence—how language manipulates perceptions against our interests.

Navigating Symbolic Violence

• Social comparisons can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy; there will always be something or someone perceived as better.

• To counteract this symbolic violence, embracing mediocrity might offer a path forward. Accepting our averageness can help us find value in being unexceptional.

Embracing Mediocrity