The root of the word “mediocre” means halfway… like going halfway to a treasure or halfway up the mountain. Many people in society, it seems, tend to not care enough about profound, important, and penetrating things. Many prefer to look superficially and prefer to remain satisfied with the superficial. Caring to go deeper is not a one-dimensional thing. Caring to go deeper is multidimensional (and perhaps beyond ordinary dimensions). If you truly care to go deeper, you also naturally care for all human beings. Additionally, you care for the whole of life: the trees, the plants, the animals, and all living things.
A mind stuck in the superficial remains content with superficial things. This superficiality is fragmented, limited, divisive, and circumscribed. I often get complimented for my pictures but not for the written content. I am polite and thank those who compliment me but i wonder about how they perceive in this world. (If Einstein was still around and he gave a superb lecture, would it be prudent for one of the listeners to solely compliment him on the color of his tie?) Society (and its so-called educational systems) have succeeded in turning out a lot of robotic people who go through the motions of being alive, yet (unfortunately) are not fully alive.
We can exist in an easy so-called life and do as we were told, exist as we were instructed, while we believe in what was hammered into us. To question everything intelligently, however, is not easy. To go beyond mediocrity and a lemming existence is not easy. To go very deeply is not easy. To look beyond the stale curtain (and the provided beliefs, isolated boundaries, and words) is not easy. It may be that, unlike what society had taught you, you are not some separate, little entity that needs to succeed apart from all others; it may be that the whole of life (including all living things) is what you are (and not something separate). In true silence and emptiness… the whole is.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
In fairness to the commenter, Tom, your photos are usually as deep, meaningful and engrossing as your words. So the person was half right.
Thanks, Lou, but i personally don’t think that the photos are even a small fraction as deep and meaningful as what is being communicated with words. The words point to something much deeper… infinitely deeper. The photos are not even 3D (depth-wise); i used to make 3D holograms and they make the 2D photos look superficial; (take my word for it). 😉
Agreed. I relish the words and admire the photos.
I don’t think most people realize how little effort it takes to be excellent—maybe 10 minutes a day
Thanks, Jim. True excellence is effortless. 😉
“not easy” right, but worth it. Lovely photo and stirring words. 🦋
Thank you, Michele. I sure hope that the words are stirring. 😉
😊
If we all put a little more effort into our day … it doesn’t take too much energy at all. Tom, your River Friend butterfly is pretty and I initially thought it was missing parts of each wing and they were tattered, but then, upon closer inspection, realized it was the shape of its wings.
Yes, Linda, that type of butterfly (Comma) can be very easily mistaken for having tattered wings. 😊They sure look different and they like to move their wings a lot while resting.
Yes, we need effort (in a certain direction) and, additionally, we need to go beyond ordinary “effort,” as people accept it as. There is an effortlessness that is whole and profoundly deep.
I don’t think I’ve seen a Comma butterfly before Tom. But I sure have seen many butterflies with tattered wings, especially nearing Summer’s end. I think rosebushes are a bit contributor.
Most people are content to just “settle” as you say.
Tattered butterfly wings towards the end of summer are a very common thing, although a whole lot of people have never noticed them. Butterflies evolved from moths, probably sometime during the Cretaceous Period when flowering plants really started evolving and spreading.
For people who just “settle”… to me that’s called “being dead.”
Yes, after a Summer of catching them on sharp objects, often roses. I had the photos last year of a Swallowtail butterfly that I wondered hos it stayed aloft, its wings were so tattered. Yes, I agree with you Tom.
I do appreciate your always-thought-provoking essays, Tom, and this one is no exception.
“Society (and its so-called educational systems) have succeeded in turning out a lot of robotic people who go through the motions of being alive, yet (unfortunately) are not fully alive.” A call to wake up.
Thank you so much, Nancy. 😊 Oftentimes i wonder if i am getting through to anyone. Also, sometimes i feel like i am my best “reader”; i do get something out of writing and reading my own material. Much of what i write might seem strange or “uncomfortable to swallow” (for a lot of people). However, if really understood, it points to immeasurably profound and wonderful things.
I don’t see my comment here but I am glad I found you again… the torn wing – my word for comma butterfly is one that has been around all spring – now the swallowtails….Thanks Tom – feasts for mind and eyes!!!