On Human Excellence

Everyone uses the word, usually somewhat in awe, certainly with respect; Alfred Nobel by means of his will left an immense estate in perpetuity awarding annually a small fortune to those who during the previous year had accomplished something great for the benefit of mankind which according to the spirit of his will embodied it; a few brave souls seemingly try to actually achieve it; leaders frequently use the word inspirationally to try to motivate; it conjures up visions of the ideal; history abounds with examples of wars and revolutions fought over difference of opinion over it; President Carter before his presidency wrote a book about certain aspects of it; the idea of it elevates, enthuses, and excites; when comparing things on some basis one stands out above the others for manifesting some high quality that warrants being labeled it; it seems to mean definitely a cut above the rest; it comes from some kind of measurement; some set of criteria; it certainly means something to everybody; but ... try asking someone to define the noun form of the word, not the adjective form, or the adverb, but the noun; suddenly there will be seen puzzled then blank expressions; mouths move, but nothing comes out.