The word "perfection" is over-rated and impossible to obtain due to the subjectivity involved in the concept itself. Perfect denotes that an item, ideal, person, concept etc...is flawless, but what might be "perfect" for one person does not qualify as "perfect" for another person. As far as I am concerned, anytime a person uses the word perfect it should have the qualifier "for me" tagged behind it.
I will use the crab bisque I made the other day as an example: this bisque was perfect for ME but somebody else may say it needed more salt, less pepper, or even a hint of shrimp added to it. If it's not perfect for all, it's not flawless. A person who has a shellfish allergy may say the taste was wonderful...but certainly would not say it was "perfect", especially when their throat closes up to the point where they can't say anything or they are busy putting on an antihistamine lotion to control the unbearable itching they have as a result of the ingredients.
Words that work better for me are those such as sublime and excellence; they are more easily obtained, and leave you room to strive for more. I have a much beloved friend who creates self-described rants (I'm sure you know who you are based on that single sentence) and more than one has contained frustration with people not living up to, and trying to exceed, their full potential, and that we should all aim for higher than mediocrity. I am in firm agreement with him on this, as proven by one of my favourite quotes: "A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" - Robert Browning. This does not mean, however, that people are expected to achieve a state of perfection.
How could anyone try, or want, to become perfection personified? It is impossible to be, as no one person's idea of perfection would work for all individuals. If it were possible to be "perfect" could you imagine how boring it would be? How impossible it would be to live with such a person? The perfect person would always be in the right, would leave us imperfects with an inferiority complex, and would leave us nobody to get into debates with (how could you debate with the perfect person?). I don't want to live with, or be, that person.
Perfection reached would leave us nothing to improve, nothing to learn, nothing to strive for. I, personally, would rather create a really good bisque, work to make it better, and then work harder to make it excellent. I want to do my best, want to exceed my best, and still have room for improving...be it myself, my food, my writing, my education, and everything else.
As a unique and individual person I really want to spend every day of my life learning and growing; please never let me become "perfect" as I would then have nothing to reach for that is not already within my grasp!
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I knew there was always going to be one more thing you do that would amaze me. I love your writing Susan, keep going and you'll inch ever closer to "almost perfect" :-)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, my own observation on perfection is this: There is no such thing as perfect, for in being perfect, you have the imperfection of having no imperfections to perfect.
*ducks away quickly*
Hmm, I guess I didn't make my point that concise or you'd have know that was the basic premise and you'd be high 5-ing me rather than ducking away LOL (erp, it was the dreaded LOL...)
ReplyDeleteThank you though! I never want to be perfect else there'd be nothing left to conquer, strive to achieve, or live for!
The ancient philosophers had this saying to wish someone happiness. "I wish that all your dreams, save one, come true." This way they would still have something to strive for, to live for. I like that sentiment.
ReplyDeleteI've heard, and believe in, that philosophy as well!
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