Voltaire said this? Not everybody liked Voltaire

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Title: "Perfection is the Enemy of the Good: A Discourse on the Paradox of Excellence"

Introduction:

The phrase "perfection is the enemy of the good" is a paradoxical expression that has been echoed throughout history by philosophers, thinkers, and leaders alike. The notion of perfectionism as an impediment to progress is an intriguing concept that warrants exploration. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins of this phrase, its philosophical implications, and the practical applications of this concept in various facets of life.

Origins and Historical Significance:

The phrase "perfection is the enemy of the good" is often attributed to the French writer and philosopher Voltaire, who wrote in his 1772 work "La Bégueule" that "the best is the enemy of the good." The idea is rooted in the philosophical concept of "the perfect being the enemy of the good," which suggests that striving for perfection can often be detrimental to achieving a satisfactory outcome.

Philosophical Implications:

The paradox of perfectionism lies in the fact that while we may strive for excellence and perfection in our pursuits, it is often the pursuit of perfection itself that hinders our ability to achieve satisfactory results. This notion challenges the traditional understanding of the relationship between perfection and excellence, by suggesting that the two are not always synonymous.

Perfectionism can lead to a mindset of "all or nothing," where anything less than perfect is considered a failure. This rigid approach can stifle creativity, innovation, and growth, as individuals may become paralyzed by fear of failure and the pursuit of unattainable standards.

Practical Applications:

The concept of "perfection is the enemy of the good" is relevant in various aspects of life, including personal growth, professional development, and societal progress.

In the realm of personal growth, it is essential to recognize that striving for perfection can often lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Embracing imperfection and accepting one's limitations can foster resilience, self-compassion, and a healthier sense of self-esteem.

In the context of professional development, the pursuit of perfection can hinder innovation, creativity, and risk-taking. By recognizing the value of incremental progress and embracing a growth mindset, individuals can foster a culture of continuous improvement, adaptability, and innovation.

Societal progress is often stifled by the pursuit of perfection, as it can lead to complacency, stagnation, and resistance to change. By acknowledging the imperfect nature of societal systems and structures, we can foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and progress.

Conclusion:

The phrase "perfection is the enemy of the good" serves as a reminder that our relentless pursuit of perfection can often hinder our ability to achieve satisfactory outcomes. By embracing imperfection, recognizing the value of incremental progress, and fostering a growth mindset, we can navigate the paradox of excellence and strive for a more balanced, adaptable, and innovative approach to life.





Comment:

Here is what I wrote upon the subject in 2015.

If memory serves, I may have written that the reason I didn't vote for Ronald Reagan in 1980 was due to this phenomenon. I would have voted for Reagan if I believed that his tax cuts could be matched to his increases in defense spending. Of course, I was correct in one sense. It led to deficits. On the other hand, there was no increase in inflation. So I was wrong.

In retrospect, I'd vote for Reagan. His ideas were not perfect, but his ideas were far better than the ones we had at the time.

One more thought I'd share is the story about Lincoln and Grant. Lincoln's people objected to General Grant because of his drinking problem. Lincoln's response was that he believed that Grant no longer had that problem, but if he did, he'd find out what Grant was drinking, and give a barrell of it to all of his generals.

So much for perfectionism.