Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.

The line defines “excellence” not as rare genius or glamorous achievement, but as a standard of care and ingenuity applied to ordinary tasks. Read in light of Washington’s broader emphasis on character, discipline, and practical accomplishment, it elevates everyday work—manual, domestic, or professional—as a site where dignity and distinction can be earned. The “common thing” suggests duties available to nearly everyone; the “uncommon way” points to craftsmanship, integrity, and initiative that transform routine labor into exemplary performance. The aphorism’s appeal lies in its democratic ethic: excellence is accessible, but it requires intention and sustained effort rather than special circumstances.