Excellence encourages one about life generally; it shows the

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of George Eliot, who declared: “Excellence encourages one about life generally; it shows the spiritual wealth of the world.” These words flow like a river of truth, reminding us that greatness, when manifested in any field, is not only a personal triumph but a beacon for all mankind. To witness excellence is to be reminded that life is not barren, that the human spirit is capable of rising beyond mediocrity into beauty, power, and transcendence.

The meaning of this saying lies in the recognition that excellence is more than mere skill. It is the reflection of discipline, love, and devotion poured into a task until it shines with perfection. When we behold such a work—whether in art, in music, in science, or in character—we feel encouraged, for it reveals the hidden spiritual wealth of the world. It whispers that life is not ruled only by cruelty or chaos, but by a deep reservoir of creativity, nobility, and divine spark. Excellence, then, is proof that goodness and greatness dwell in humanity.

The origin of these words springs from Eliot’s own vision as a writer. She was not content to write merely for amusement, but strove for excellence, weaving characters of depth, moral struggle, and truth. Through her novels she sought to uplift, to show that literature could reveal the inner riches of human existence. Her statement is not merely philosophical; it is a reflection of her own labor, her own witness to the power of excellence to inspire and ennoble the soul.

Consider the story of Michelangelo, who lay on his back for years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Each stroke was an act of devotion, each figure a hymn of the spirit. Those who entered that chapel and beheld his work were not only awed by the skill of his hands—they were uplifted, encouraged, reminded of the greatness possible in human life. His excellence showed forth the spiritual wealth of the world, a wealth that transcends gold and crowns, for it feeds the soul rather than the body.

Think also of Marie Curie, who devoted her life to science with tireless discipline. Her discoveries in radioactivity opened doors to medicine and knowledge that transformed the modern world. Her excellence in the pursuit of truth was not for herself alone; it encouraged all who followed, proving that even in hardship and obscurity, the human mind could uncover profound secrets of creation. She revealed that excellence is not confined to art, but is present wherever the spirit of man or woman devotes itself fully to noble pursuit.

Mark this, O seekers: to surround yourself with excellence is to strengthen your spirit. When you read great words, when you behold great art, when you listen to great music, your heart is lifted, and you are reminded that life is not empty. Excellence renews faith in humanity. It declares that there is purpose, beauty, and divinity woven into the fabric of the world. It is a fountain from which all who drink are encouraged to live with greater dignity, to labor with greater love, to dream with greater courage.

Practical wisdom calls you: seek out excellence wherever you may find it. Do not settle for mediocrity in your own deeds. Pour your heart into your craft, your work, your relationships, so that your own life may become a small example of excellence for others. And when you encounter greatness in the work of another, let it not stir envy, but gratitude—for it reveals to you the hidden wealth of the spirit that you too may share in. In this way, you will both honor the gifts of others and awaken your own.

So remember George Eliot’s teaching: “Excellence encourages one about life generally; it shows the spiritual wealth of the world.” Let this be your compass. Honor excellence wherever you see it, strive for it in your own labor, and allow it to renew your hope in life. For when humanity strives toward greatness, it reveals that beneath all sorrows and struggles, the world is rich with divine treasure, waiting to be discovered and shared.

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