"Toutes les choses excellentes sont aussi difficiles que rares"

Excellence is rare and hard to come by. This idea is pretty straightforward: achieving something truly outstanding is tough. It's not something that happens every day, and it takes a lot of effort and perseverance.

The context of this notion is rooted in the philosophical musings of Baruch Spinoza, a Dutch philosopher from the 17th century. He knew a thing or two about tough times. Spinoza lived during a period of significant political and religious upheaval. He was excommunicated from the Jewish community for his radical ideas and spent his life working as a lens grinder while writing groundbreaking philosophical texts. So, when Spinoza talked about excellence being rare and difficult, he knew what he was talking about from personal experience.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Think about Olympic athletes. These individuals train for years, often starting from a very young age, dedicating endless hours to perfecting their craft. Take Michael Phelps, for instance. He didn't become the most decorated Olympian by fluke. His daily routine included hours of swimming, strength training, and a strict diet—day in, day out, for years. It's grueling and requires immense dedication and mental strength. But that’s what it takes to be the best. Excellence in this context is winning Olympic gold medals, and it’s as rare and difficult as it sounds.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? First, recognize that achieving something truly excellent isn't going to be easy. It’s going to take time, effort, and probably a few setbacks along the way. But that’s okay. The key is to stay committed and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and tackle them one by one. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep your motivation high.

Imagine you want to write a novel. It’s a big task, right? Don’t get overwhelmed by the sheer size of it. Instead, set a daily word count goal—maybe 500 words a day. Some days you’ll hit it, some days you won’t. There will be days when you’re stuck, staring at a blank page. But if you keep at it, chipping away bit by bit, you’ll eventually have a first draft. It won’t be perfect, but it’ll be there. And that’s the hard part—getting it done. Excellence here is a finished, polished novel ready for readers, and it’s definitely going to be a rare achievement among the many who dream but never complete one.

Here's a relatable story. Think about Sarah, a high school student who’s passionate about science. She dreams of becoming a doctor. It's a long road ahead: years of studying, exams, medical school, and residency. Sarah knows it’s not going to be easy. She’s seen her older cousin go through it, struggling with sleepless nights and endless studying. But Sarah is determined. She starts by excelling in her high school biology classes, asking questions, staying after school for extra help, and diving into summer internships. There are times she wants to give up, especially when her friends are out having fun while she’s stuck with her textbooks. But she keeps her eyes on the prize, knowing that the path to excellence is tough and rare—and that’s what makes it worth it.

So, remember, whether you're aiming to be the next Michael Phelps, writing a novel, or pursuing a medical career like Sarah, excellence is a rare gem that comes with its challenges. Embrace the difficulty, stay committed, and keep pushing forward. It’s not supposed to be easy, and that’s precisely why it’s worth it.