Be the Exception - Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

Have you ever wonder where this expression/saying came from?  Hundreds of years ago the family (in some European cultures) would take their annual bath.  The most senior member would take the first bath, followed by each family member and finally the baby.  This would be done in the same tub and using the same bathwater.  By the time the baby was washed, as you can well imagine, the water would be quite filthy.  If completely immersed, they baby, often could not even be seen.
This annual bath was usually in the spring and also one of the reasons for the popularity of June brides and June weddings.  The couple to be, was relatively clean and washed.

Throwing the baby out with the bathwater has become a popular cultural movement.  Important people in our history were almost always flawed.  While they may have accomplished great things and made great advances, it can be easy to pick at faults and overlook the good.  Unfortunately, that can be a tendency in our interactions with each other.  There is a danger in this.

Even if we are doing our best, most of the time, to Be the Exception, we are flawed and even in self-improvement, will continue to be flawed.  Doesn't it make sense to recognize and increase the good in ourselves, reinforce the good in others, and remember the good in those who have gone before?

Be the Exception - To Get Nowhere, Follow the Crowd

“If 50 million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.”  Anatole France

We live at a time of sound bites and memes, where so many react and just follow what they believe to be popular without thinking deeply and investigating.  It was once taught that to be a good debater or to have a liberal education, it was important not only listen to but understand the perspective of others who may have a different opinion and point of view.  Today, free speech is often stymied and critical thinking discouraged.  

As has been said, To Get Nowhere, Follow the Crowd.  

If your goal is mediocrity or perhaps even less, then by all means, follow the crowd.

While you can and will find small groups interested in excellence, and on occasion you may be able to lead the crowd in excellence...

It will be rare and seldom lasting.  Yes, there are always the few who, like you, will desire and work to be the exception, but never expect it to be popular, with the majority, for long.

While excellence may be lonely at times, it is it's own reward and if your desire is to lift others to join you, do all you can to establish yourself on higher ground.