Summary of Retreat from Excellence

Summary of Retreat from Excellence This article is written by Claude M. Fuess. He argues that mediocrity has been prevalent in the United States for decades and Americans are satisfied with the current situation. It begins with the story of a worried mother who is troubled by her son’s failure in scholarship and asks the author for help. This story reflects the fact that Americans ignore the difference and are prefer to be mediocre. There is less competition in this age of average but the author considers being professional is important by illustrating the fact that a more professional medical person is more trusted. But in fields like politics being professional is not so significant. People in America recognize and support the equality in every aspect. Thus a mode of mediocrity forms. This idea of being mediocre prevailed since 1960s and has made deep and extensive influence in the United States. The current tendency is to reduce everyone to the same level and neglect the development of elites. Then the author lists a series of facts and arguments to demonstrate this phenomenon: Workers get the same pay regardless of their skills or attitudes. There is no competition and the ambitious one is not encouraged. So the production cannot be considerably increased. An excellent teacher cannot be promoted because of he or she is new or younger than others. Promotion by seniority in school reduces the quality of education. In educational system, quantity is more important than quality. Receiving low standard education, students are almost mediocre. In the army, traditional promotion system and fixed payment prevent good soldiers from making progress. College graduates in enterprises pursue security and mediocrity rather than originality and adventurous personality. People in politics regard acquaintance as an advantage to be elected rather than talents. And in many areas, community appointments are more important than skills regardless of selecting examinations. Native applicants can find jobs easily in hometown despite their ability because of the preference policy. A Korean student has found that Americans like choose mediocre person to be their president. And the amount of the first-rate American statesmen is decreasing. People hate the one who makes change and pursues new things. A television survey shows that Americans prefer commonplace. The challenge from the Soviets makes Americans nervous and they are developing elites. But several evil forces such as decline of the pioneer spirit oppose the development. The Soviet Union is training talents and is competing with America in every aspect. At last, the author draws the conclusion that Americans should get rid of mediocrity and develops more talents in order to prompt social progress.