“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
— Will Durant, summarizing Aristotle in The Story of Philosophy
What It Really Means
Excellence isn’t a lightning strike. It’s not a talent or a moment of genius. It’s the quiet consistency of doing the right thing — over and over — until it becomes who you are.
This quote reminds us that greatness isn’t a performance. It’s a pattern. Whether you’re trying to be a better writer, athlete, parent, or leader, the path is the same: show up daily, even when it’s hard, even when it’s boring.
You don’t become excellent by accident. You become excellent by repetition.
How the Book Explains It
In The Story of Philosophy, Will Durant summarizes Aristotle’s teachings to distill one of the most powerful insights about human nature: we are creatures of habit.
Aristotle believed that virtue is formed through action — not thought, not intention, but doing. Want to be courageous? Do courageous things. Want to be wise? Study, reflect, learn. Over time, these actions harden into character.
Durant captures this idea perfectly: Excellence is not a burst of effort. It is a state of being.
Real-Life Application
Want to live with intention? Build systems that guide your daily actions.
Instead of:
• Trying to be “excellent” tomorrow…
✅ Start journaling every morning.
✅ Practice your craft 20 minutes a day.
✅ Replace distractions with rituals.
You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to commit to your values — repeatedly.
Companion Idea
This quote pairs perfectly with James Clear’s Atomic Habits, which shows how small actions compound over time. Excellence isn’t intensity. It’s consistency.
Your Turn
What’s one habit you can commit to today that reflects the excellence you seek?
Remember:
What you do daily shapes who you become.
Choose well. Do often.
Leave a Reply