No Such Thing as Perfect

Published on August 2, 2005 By JillUser In Misc

I have seen the word "perfect" in the title of a lot of blogs today: Perfect life, perfect blogger, perfect country, etc. I tend to believe that "perfect" can't exist except on a personal level. You can say your spouse is "perfect for you" but they can't be perfect in general because everyone has different, tastes, needs, interests.

You have to put down a lot of qualifications to meet before declaring something perfect. What is a perfect life for instance? Some might say not having to do anything at all and others might say having something to do all the time. I tend to think that if you think something is perfect you are either just too happy to care about any imperfections or are just not considering the possibility of imperfections.

So you think perfection exists? Your answer might say a lot about you.

Comments (Page 1)

Secret Squirrel

on Aug 02, 2005

I've always felt that perfection is tightly linked to infinity.

But HEY!

I'm just a squirrel, what do I know

Ziggystyles

on Aug 02, 2005

I think you're right on. I mean...I might make a perfect bowl of sugar-free Jello pudding, but not everyone likes it lumpy like I do, so it wouldn't be "pefect" for them.

To say perfection exists on Earth is naive I think. People make mistakes. Cars break down. Planes crash. Houses burn. Ships sink. Bad hair days happen. So does bankruptcy.

If it was a perfect world (who would be the person to define what "perfect" means in the first place?)...just think how boring life would be.

crimson

on Aug 02, 2005

"Perfect" is a word I overuse. To me, it means 'that's exactly how I like it'.

JillUser

on Aug 02, 2005

Hey there NickyG! How's it goin'? I like the 30 Day Guarantee

dharmagrl

on Aug 02, 2005

Perfection is all subjective. Something that's perfect for me might be horribly awful to you.

Personally, I prefer imperfection.

Dr Guy

on Aug 02, 2005

I am reminded of a quote by Einstein I think. Paraphrased it goes: Genius is limited, stupidity is limitless.

So to answer your question, I think there can be perfection. Perfect idiots, perfect fools, perfect jerks, etc. All the negatives. But Perfect good? Aren't we still trying to reach that?

Evorg

on Aug 02, 2005

So you think perfection exists?

Are you trying to say that reaching the highest attainable standard should not be considered perfection?

Moderateman

on Aug 02, 2005

perfection, much like beauty is in the beholder.

{how's that for confucian?}

Evorg

on Aug 02, 2005

How would you know the highest standard is really the highest? Records are broken every day.

The highest attainable standard is a definition of perfection. How do I know what the highest standard is? Because I defined what the highest standard is, and if that standard is surpassed then a new standard can be defined, With the expectation that in the future that it too will be surpassed.

JillUser

on Aug 02, 2005

Are you trying to say that reaching the highest attainable standard should not be considered perfection?

I think you are referring to a "perfect score" scenario. I will concede that if you have a test where none of the score is left up to interpretation of any kind, a perfect score is possible. Reality rarely permits such an instance but I can see how that could happen. I was more referring to the generalization of use of "perfect" as given in my examples.

Evorg

on Aug 02, 2005

I was more referring to the generalization of use of "perfect"

I was trying to refer to the fact that perfection is more than an abstract concept. Perfection can actually be calculated or measured by different criteria or standards. It's done all the time.

JillUser

on Aug 03, 2005

Perfection can actually be calculated or measured by different criteria or standards. It's done all the time.

What is the measured criteria for a perfect life then?

When I said your answer to whether or not perfection exists would be telling about you I was right. I suspect you are a nitpicker. You can't take something in the spirit it is intended. You need to go by the books. I find people interesting. That is why I blog.

Texas Wahine

on Aug 03, 2005

I think "perfect" is just a bit of an exaggeration (much like what Nicky described), and is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

As many have said...what's perfect to one might be horrendous to another. I am able to stay home with my children and to me that is perfect. To another woman, that might be soul-crushing boredom.

Someone might say that Cindy Crawford looks like the perfect woman, but to another, it might be Penelope Cruz or Pamela Anderson or even Sarah Rue. It's an exaggeration to claim someone or something's perfect, and it's also very subjective.

I see nothing wrong with striving for your own perfection (or "best that I can imagine for myself"), but in along with that you have to recognize the wonderful things in your life that might not be "perfect" and appreciate them anyways, just as they are.

Interesting blog idea, Jill.

foreverserenity

on Aug 03, 2005

perfection, much like beauty is in the beholder.

Great minds thing alike Elie! I was about to write this very same thing! perfect....(couldn't resist JU!)

Evorg

on Aug 03, 2005

I was right. I suspect you are a nitpicker

You can't take something in the spirit

You need to go by the books.

Call me names because I have a differing view on the subject. OK…

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