You have to be good at something...

even if it's being good for nothing.

Published on October 7, 2004 By pseudosoldier In Philosophy

"[He] had been born too late and too mediocre. Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With [him] it had been all three. Even among men lacking all distinction he inevitably stood out as a man lacking more distinction than all the rest, and people who met him were always impressed by how unimpressive he was."

Link"

Comments

Spc Nobody Special

on Oct 07, 2004

Ah, sweet angry, funny, bitter Joseph Heller. He summed up my feelings about so many things, far better than I can express.........and this bit's got a great (deliberate) misquote from twelfth night. Some were born great.......etc. Did you read the one he wrote about the life of David? Or his sequel to catch-22?

pseudosoldier

on Oct 07, 2004

Nope. I'm in the middle of re-reading C-22, actually, and would even do so at that place that we sit at for oh so long each day, if only... well, you know. Originally picked up a used hardcover copy off of eBay for just over $5 at the behest of SPC Sangus, actually. It's the type of irreverent humor I'd like to think of him, not the bitter vitriol he tends to spew about the military now. Happier times, those.
Hit me up with the titles tomorrow, if you don't mind.

Hyperborean Wanderer

on Oct 08, 2004

You know, I read Catch-22 years ago, long before I joined the army. I didn't realize till I got in that it's non-fiction...

pseudosoldier

on Oct 08, 2004

So true, my friend, so true.
I think that's why I appreciate it so much.

SSG Geezer

on Oct 09, 2004

I read it on my own but I don't think I was old enough to really get it. Perhaps a re-read is in order.

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