"There is no real excellence in all of this world which can be separated from right living"

True excellence, according to David Starr Jordan, cannot stand apart from a foundation of right living. Achievements, accolades, and remarkable talents may shine in the world, but when detached from moral integrity and upright behavior, their brilliance fades. Excellence encompasses more than mere skill or success; it involves the quality of character underlying every action. Right living, embracing honesty, responsibility, kindness, and ethical conduct, infuses our pursuits with authentic worth.

When an individual excels in a field through dishonest means or at the expense of others' well-being, their accomplishments lose their true value. A brilliant mind who uses intelligence dishonorably, a talented artist who exploits others, or a powerful leader who misuses authority ultimately tarnishes their own success. True greatness arises when achievements are pursued in harmony with virtue. Excellence, then, becomes not only what one does, but also how, and most importantly, why one does it.

Right living establishes a moral compass that guides ambitions and choices, shaping success that benefits others as well as the self. When empathy, justice, and humility underpin personal and collective goals, achievements gain enduring respect and trust. They inspire, uplift, and move the broader community forward. Conversely, when integrity is compromised, even the most dazzling achievements are hollow, impressive perhaps for a moment, but ultimately forgettable or even regrettable.

Jordan’s observation reminds us that the highest form of excellence is a marriage of ability and virtue. Lasting legacy, personal fulfillment, and societal progress depend not just on what is achieved, but on the manner in which those achievements are realized. Striving for excellence in all aspects of life necessitates commitment to doing what is right. Right living and excellence are inseparable; each refines and elevates the other, together constituting the truest measure of greatness.