just wait and see

A high school graduation speech where students get told they are not special. The one quote that stood out for me is:

even if you’re one in a million, on a planet of 6.8 billion that means there are nearly 7,000 people just like you

This is a very humbling idea, there is never a time where you should become complacent because somewhere in this world is someone who is equally skilled but has committed themselves to doing better.

It also compares you to the statistical anomalies in the world’s population. Most of the time you just look around at your peers and compare yourself to them. But the truth is that you share the same tiny blue planet as these greats and history will only remember the greats.

Remember that guy that gave up? Neither does anyone else

Guaranteed in this population is someone who was born in the ideal conditions, is superior genetically, is incredibly hard-working, and has seized every opportunity thrown their way. This person is certain to do great things. They will change the world for the better and will go down in history. Da Vinci and Einstein are examples of this.

Statistically there will always be the person that is  1 : 6,700,000,000 and that person will always leave a mark on the world.

Even the person coming 100th will do great things.

When you start comparing yourself to these people you immediately realise you need to lift your game.