We all want power. We all want exact same thing, even if we different species. Mediocricity comes from lieing that u dont want power and you are ok be weak unable and powerless.
May be I want to become rich, may be I want to become powerful. But I may also want to watch GOT once again, I may also want to do nothing, I may want to travel the world, I may want to see my children grow, I may also want to be alongside my parents when they need me in their loneliest days.
True, all of us want the exact thing. But the real question is what are the things that are most important. You may have to pick some and ignore some. It is here the difference arise.
And I strongly believe it is foolish to compare my path with that of the other, when their priorities, instincts, skills, context etc are different from that of me.
If there is no comparison, there is no mediocrity.
True I can compare my wealth with that of the other. I can compare my 'power' with that of the other. But how can I compare my happiness with that of the other. How can i compare my content with that of the other. How can I compare my creative satisfaction with that of the other.
When I can compare each and every one of those things against those people around, I may be ready to do that comparison and accept mediocrity.
Mediocrity comes from seeing money and power as ends in themselves, rather than as mere escapes from poverty and powerlessness. Happiness and independence enable personal growth and achievement. Those are the only things that matter, not somebody's ability to make someone else do something that they don't want to do. If all you care about is acquiring the ability to make other people spend their time doing things they don't want to do, then I don't know what to tell you. I'm sorry if you don't think you are capable of creating great things on your own if given the opportunity, but you almost certainly are.
(Keep in mind that not all power is coercive power.)
And if I do not base my needs with that of some one else, why should I even compare myself with others, so as to determine if I am mediocre or not.
May be I am dumb. But I am happy to be dumb. Forrest Gump is my personal hero. LOL!
Teacher -"Do you ever dream, Forrest, about who you're gonna be?" Gump - "Who I'm gonna be?............. Yeah..................Aren't I going to be me? "