Benjamin N. Cardozo Quote

In truth, I am nothing but a plodding mediocrity — please observe, a plodding mediocrity — for a mere mediocrity does not go very far, but a plodding one gets quite a distance. There is joy in that success, and a distinction can come from courage, fidelity and industry.

As quoted in Nine Old Men (1936) by Drew Pearson and Robert Sharon Allen, p. 221.