--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The maxim of Cleobulus, \"Mediocrity is…" description: "\"The maxim of Cleobulus, \"Mediocrity is best,\" has been long considered a universal principle, extending through the whole compass of life and nature. T..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a90/samuel-johnson-50_age_the-maxim-of-cleobulus-mediocrity-is-bes_1748938.jpg" --- # The maxim of Cleobulus, "Mediocrity is best," has been… ![“The maxim of Cleobulus, "Mediocrity is best," has been long considered a universal principle, extending through the whole compass of life and nature. The experience of every age seems to have given it new confirmation, and to show that nothing, however specious or alluring, is pursued with…” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a90/samuel-johnson-50_age_the-maxim-of-cleobulus-mediocrity-is-bes_1748938.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a90/samuel-johnson-50_age_the-maxim-of-cleobulus-mediocrity-is-bes_1748938.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a90/samuel-johnson-50_age_the-maxim-of-cleobulus-mediocrity-is-bes_1748938.jpg) > “The maxim of Cleobulus, "Mediocrity is best," has been long considered a universal principle, extending through the whole compass of life and nature. The experience of every age seems to have given it new confirmation, and to show that nothing, however specious or alluring, is pursued with propriety or enjoyed with safety beyond certain limits.” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Mediocrity is safe, but striving beyond limits brings growth. **In simple terms:** Safety in mediocrity, growth in risk. Key Takeaway Embrace challenges beyond comfort zones. Themes balance risk growth Mood cautious inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - career advancement - artistic creation - scientific research - personal development Key Concepts moderation excellence human nature Questions to Reflect On - When is mediocrity acceptable? - How do you measure healthy risk? A Different Perspective Excessive risk can lead to failure. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Age](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/age/) [Alluring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alluring/) [Compass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compass/) [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life And Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-and-nature/) [Limits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/limits/) [Maxims](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/maxims/) [Mediocrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mediocrity/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Principle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Propriety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/propriety/) [Safety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/safety/) ## Related quotes > [“But what is good and what is bad? That has become increasingly confusing in this age of relativity. 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White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ellen-g-white/) > [Personal participation is the universal principle of knowing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-polanyi/personal-participation-is-the-universal-principle-of-knowing/) [Michael Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-polanyi/) > [There is the work of great men and there is the work of little men. 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