To argue the case of the pursuit of excellence, let's examine a hypothetical performance spectrum or continuum.  On one end is imperfection, or defective, faulty or flawed,  and on the other is perfection.  Somewhere between these two polar opposites is the average or mediocrity.  It is clear that when it comes to a goal or a pursuit, chasing faulty or flawed leaves one feeling uninspired and unfulfilled, as does mediocrity for most.  Most people do not arise in the morning hoping to achieve average.  No.  They are inspired by something bigger even when they fall short and average is the result of their attempt.  Average is simply uninspiring as well.  However, when examining the other end of the performance spectrum, committing to perfection can be daunting and unachievable.  But sitting there just to the side of perfection is excellence.  It isn't perfect, although it sees glimpses of it ever so often.  And it is achievable for mortal men and women because we have seen others achieve it, but not in numbers that would make routine.  Excellence is special, and we know it.  It requires commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, practice and study to achieve; something that most people are unwilling to do.  And that makes it even more special.  Excellence speaks to us, it calls to us and it entices us to chase it as a meaningful pursuit.  We are inspired but what it means to be on that journey and to hold it's achievement for however short.  We embrace the sacrifice needed in its pursuit for it is worth it and it is meaningful.  It gives depth to our purpose and meaning to our soul.  Excellence; there is no other choice.

The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, or gives you a sense of meaning, joy, or passion. Terry Orlick

Comfort is a stance of avoidance rather than the pursuit of excellence.  Craig D. Lounsbrough

The patient accretion of knowledge, the focusing of all one's energies on some problem in history or science, the dogged pursuit of excellence of whatever kind these are right and proper ideals for life. Michael Dirda