Colonel Cathcart exemplifies a mindset that is resistant to fixed standards of achievement. Instead of striving for an absolute level of excellence, he gauges his success through comparisons with his peers. This approach reveals a superficial understanding of achievement, where doing just as well as those around him suffices for his self-worth.

By focusing on relative performance rather than personal growth or absolute standards, Cathcart's perspective reflects a broader commentary on ambition and competition. His approach underscores the absurdities of military politics and the often misplaced values in leadership, emphasizing a culture where mediocrity can prevail if it aligns with the achievements of others.