“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” ~ Shakespeare

I remember finding one advertisement quite intriguing as a kid. Which is why I still remember it. It was for a car, and it said something like: "If you find a better car, buy it". I thought that was clever and though I didn't know the exact terminology then, it's a good use of reverse psychology. It also reeks of confidence, that I am so good that if you find something better, you should certainly buy it. I guess it also means that if you lose out to a worthy opponent, there is a joy even in losing. But if you lose out to mediocrity, that's a shame. But it's a shame for whom? For the car because someone bought one that was nowhere its equal... or for the buyer who did not judge value correctly? Ultimately it's the buyer who has to live with a bad car and with their decision? Though it seems to me that buyers and cars perhaps find their match. It's no loss to the buyer either in that sense because they got what meets their standard. Perhaps the better car is also not at a loss because it might as well be purchased by someone who genuinely recognises its worth. It's hard for the car temporarily because who likes to be passed over for the mediocre...? But maybe one needs to remind oneself that quality or virtue must finally be its own reward. Not because it commands a value or appreciation or a buyer in the market.