AN EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF HONORS

Composer Thomas Arne once had to judge two singers—both extremely confident, neither especially talented (at least in his opinion).

After listening, Arne told the first: “You’re the worst singer I’ve ever heard.”

The second immediately celebrated: “Then I win!”

Arne’s verdict: *Nope.* The first was the worst… but the second wasn’t good enough to claim victory either. A tie—at the bottom.