Ninety percent of everything is crud

Ninety percent of everything is crud

Theodore Sturgeon, an American science fiction author, is often credited with coining the phrase "Ninety percent of everything is crud." This statement has become a widely accepted principle in various fields, including literature, film, music, and art. Sturgeon's observation suggests that the vast majority of creative works are of low quality or lack originality, while only a small percentage can be considered truly exceptional.

Sturgeon's assertion is not meant to be dismissive or pessimistic, but rather a realistic assessment of the creative process. He believed that in any given field, the majority of works produced will be mediocre or derivative, simply because there are so many people creating content. However, he also acknowledged that within that remaining ten percent, there are gems of brilliance that stand out and endure over time.