A mediocre speech can never be too short. [ Mme. de Lambert ]

Mediocrity is excellence to the eyes of mediocre people. [ Joubert ]

Mediocre minds usually condemn what is beyond the reach of their understanding. [ La Rochefoucauld ]

The art of putting well into play mediocre qualities often begets more reputation than true merit achieves. [ Rochefoucauld ]

Very ugly or very beautiful women should be flattered on their understanding, and mediocre ones on their beauty. [ Chesterfield ]

Mediocre people fear exaltation for the harm that may result from it; though it is something that can not be communicated to them. [ Mme. de Krudener ]

Gentleness in the gait is what simplicity is in the dress. Violent gesture or quick movement inspires involuntary disrespect. One looks for a moment at a cascade; but one sits for hours, lost in thought, and gazing upon the still water of a lake. A deliberate gale, gentle manners, and a gracious tone of voice - all of which may be acquired - give a mediocre man an immense advantage over those vastly superior to him. To be bodily tranquil, to speak little, and to digest without effort are absolutely necessary to grandeur of mind or of presence, or to proper development of genius. [ Balzac ]