You Don’t Actually Want Quality. Here’s Why You Keep Choosing Mediocrity.
You don’t actually want quality β at least not when it costs you social friction. Kakonomics, a concept from philosopher Gloria Origgi, explains why we systematically choose mediocrity: it’s cooperative, painless, and keeps everyone comfortable. Every time you accept ‘good enough’ to avoid confrontation, you’re signing a silent pact to lower standards. The real cost of excellence isn’t effort β it’s the social isolation of being the one who cares.