Excellence

Excellence is easier to recognise than to define. It could be defined as the attainment of perfection which is by no means easy. Excellence does not consists merely in competence. It is the striving for the highest standards in every phase of life, driven solely by strong and powerful inner urges that cannot be denied. In a sense it is the discovery of the best in oneself and the fulfilment of one’s capabilities.

What bothers me about the pursuit of excellence is the selfishness (egoism) that is often involved. We say, “Love thy neighbour as thyself” but the urge to be ”better” is so strong that it involves stamping on thy neighbours. I am bothered by the hypocrisy that is often involved in so-called excellence. As followers of religions, we pray fervently for forgiveness of our sins but deliberately discriminate against others. We donate liberally to charity (for deduction of income taxes) but oppose to tax-supported social welfare programme because we believe that the disadvantaged among us are lazy and unwilling to help themselves.

Ideally, seeking excellence is doing the best we can by doing something that contributes to the good of the society. It means being decent to others, sensitive to their feelings and considerate of their shortcomings..