“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.
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