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It feels like the author started by coining a catchy turn of phrase, "premium mediocrity", and then just started writing until he tenuously connected it with hi
by jordanpg 9y ago
It feels like the author started by coining a catchy turn of phrase, "premium mediocrity", and then just started writing until he tenuously connected it with his various insights about the psychosocial dynamics of Millennials.
The important detail about "premium mediocrity" seems to be that it is manifestly not, in fact, "premium". It's the end result, the evolution, of armies of marketing people doing their job. A gimmick.
I think the people he writes about are more savvy to this than he gives them credit for. It's just that these kinds of consumption choices are just usually the most convenient, and there are lots of other things to be dealing with.
- TheBeardKing 9y agoI think that's exactly it. You can choose to not buy into the social media hype around new products, services, whatever, and just abstain. Premium mediocrity is just another spin on consumerism and materialism that has plagued the US for decades. Ignore it all, buy for quality or used, make your own damn coffee, grow some vegetables, cook at home - common sense things that have been advisable for longer than the consumerist attitude. Life can be enjoyable and on a steady path to retirement with patience, frugality, and perseverance, barring the unfortunate events which are also part of life. I reject premium mediocrity in favor of regular mediocrity. I'll put the premium in the bank and spend it in retirement.