---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To be mediocre, when only application and…"
description: "\"To be mediocre, when only application and diligence would have netted superiority, is an error akin to sin.\" — Spencer W. Kimball"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/spencer-w-kimball-1179_application_to-be-mediocre-when-only-application-and_1597249.jpg"
---

#  To be mediocre, when only application and diligence would…

![“To be mediocre, when only application and diligence would have netted superiority, is an error akin to sin.” quote by Spencer W. Kimball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/spencer-w-kimball-1179_application_to-be-mediocre-when-only-application-and_1597249.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/spencer-w-kimball-1179_application_to-be-mediocre-when-only-application-and_1597249.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/99e/spencer-w-kimball-1179_application_to-be-mediocre-when-only-application-and_1597249.jpg)

> “To be mediocre, when only application and diligence would have netted superiority, is an error akin to sin.”

[Spencer W. Kimball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/spencer-w-kimball/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Settling for mediocrity when effort could bring excellence is a moral failing akin to sin.

**In simple terms:** Mediocrity is a sin when effort could bring excellence.

Key Takeaway

Strive for excellence, not mediocrity.

Themes

excellence effort morality spirituality self‑improvement

Mood

inspirational serious encouraging

Type

motivational spiritual

When to use this quote

- career advancement
- academic pursuits
- spiritual growth
- creative projects

Key Concepts

ethics religion personal development

Questions to Reflect On

- What areas of your life settle for "good enough"?
- How can you balance effort with well‑being?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on perfection can cause burnout.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Application](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/application/) [Diligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/diligence/) [Diligence Netted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/diligence-netted-6065344/) [Errors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/errors/) [Mediocre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mediocre/) [Mediocre Application](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mediocre-application-6065342/) [Mediocrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mediocrity/) [Sin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sin/) [Superiority](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superiority/) [Superiority Error](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superiority-error-6065343/)

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