Sturgeon's Law: 90% of everything is crud.

In a world where the vast majority of content created is deemed subpar or unremarkable, an interesting discussion has emerged among individuals who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the sheer volume of mediocre and uninspired offerings across various forms of media and technology. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as Sturgeon's Law, is a stark reminder that 90% of everything produced lacks any significant value or merit.

The origins of this law can be traced back to the late 1980s when science fiction author and computer scientist Dr. Theodore Sturgeon coined the term in response to widespread skepticism regarding his work. He argued that if one critically examines a field or area of interest, one is bound to find at least 10% of it that is exceptional, but that's only because we are so accustomed to expecting mediocrity from the remaining 90%.

Sturgeon's Law has since expanded beyond its initial scope and now encompasses a wide array of disciplines, including film, literature, music, art, science, technology, politics, and more. The prevalence of this law is not only concerning but also indicative of the current state of our culture, where attention spans are dwindling, and there seems to be an insatiable demand for instant gratification.

As a result, many experts argue that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find truly original or thought-provoking content in today's oversaturated world. This has led to the rise of clickbait headlines, sensationalized news stories, and shallow commentary across various social media platforms. It also perpetuates a vicious cycle where consumers become disenchanted with the quality of content they are consuming, which in turn drives them to seek out even more superficial or trivial distractions.

In response to these concerns, some proponents of Sturgeon's Law suggest that a shift in focus is necessary to address this issue. They argue for promoting the pursuit of excellence and championing exceptional works over mediocre ones. This involves cultivating an environment where individuals are encouraged to invest their time and energy into projects that show promise, rather than perpetuating the cycle of substandard creations.

Others contend that Sturgeon's Law is an inherent part of human nature, pointing out that it has always been easier for people to create or consume mediocrity due to limited resources or time constraints. As such, they argue that accepting this reality is vital in order to move forward and focus on the 10% of content that truly stands out from the rest.

Regardless of one's stance on Sturgeon's Law, it is impossible to deny that the pervasive nature of mediocrity has far-reaching implications for society as a whole. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and discernment in an age where information overload is commonplace, and where consumers are often left to wade through a sea of unremarkable content in search of something truly noteworthy or thought-provoking.

As we continue to navigate this landscape, it becomes increasingly clear that the future of our culture will depend on our collective ability to recognize and appreciate excellence when we encounter it, rather than being content with accepting the 90% that is, by definition, crud.