how to be One of the Elite

“Everyone,” he said, “knows something. Each of us has learned to do something mechanically.” He insisted on this word. “Two people have the same worth when each stays within his own speciality. However, if one can also do what the other does, then he is superior. He who aspires to be one of the elite must be capable not only of doing what he does habitually, but also of doing anything that those he regards inferior can do, even if not with the competence of a professional.”

Gurdjieff, a Master in Life p.92