Welcome To Perfection
"That is the perfect picture"
"We have the perfect relationship"
"I want a perfect body"
"I’m just looking for the perfect man"
"I’ve spent my life looking for the perfect woman"
The list is certainly endless. I wonder if, as a society, we haven’t gone a little overboard in our ideals.
Hmmm… let’s see what the dictionary says:
per·fect (pûr f
kt)
adj.
- Lacking nothing essential to the whole; complete of its nature or kind.
- Being without defect or blemish: a perfect specimen.
- Thoroughly skilled or talented in a certain field or area; proficient.
- Completely suited for a particular purpose or situation: She was the perfect actress for the part.
When was the last time you ever really saw a perfect anything? Let’s be honest with ourselves here. You parents and grand-parents out there restrain yourselves… it’s a given that the kids were perfect when they were born.
So what is our search for perfection costing us in the long run? Are we any smarter, stronger, or prettier? Maybe a scientiest, a biologist, would say that in a society searching for perfection in everything, eventually natural selection would set in and choose the best specimens out of the gene pool to continue the species. Here’s a thought though… are we any happier searching for perfection?
If, in the end, we are the best looking, strongest, smartest bunch of egomaniacle human beings who ever walked the earth… what have we really gained?
For whatever reason we were created, it is my opinion that: if we and the world around us were meant to be perfect–we would have been created that way. To look at it a different way… through the process of evolution human beings have evolved into what we are today. Are we evolving into happier human beings in the process?
I’ve often cautioned people about the choices they make. The interesting thing about human beings is that we actually have a choice about the path evolution will take for us. A lion has no choice, nor any sense of what his species may one day become… human beings do. We might want to think about the paths we’re taking now.
Doyle, what you said would be banned in many classrooms if certain groups have their way. I, of course, find it extremely insightful and perceptive. Can’t wait to meet you guys face to face.
There is no such thing as perfect, as we as human beings are never satisfied. The ideal of perfection is flawed in its essence and rational people recognize this. What is of concern are the measures undertaken by those who desperately struggle to achieve it thinking it is the key to happiness or success… Our own human history proves it time and time again. How many crimes, misjudgments, mistakes and wars have been wrought on our race in the name of perfection?
Oh, wow, my head hurts a little…
This was the perfect post!
Bud,
It’s my understanding that Darwinism was eventually accepted by the church, and in any case I’m not arguing how we got here–only what we’re doing with that.
Couple more days and you get the full mosaic of the three B’s, lol You sure you’re ready for that? rofl
I agree with Priss!
This was the perfect post.
I see two different types of “perfect”, that you list. The exact science, of proficient (ie;as in a career, software proficiency), AND the subjective. If I believe I married the “perfect” man, then I did. If I believe I have found the “perfect” house, then I have.
I know simplistic in thought. But I am much more content, and albeit happy believing in my subjective “perfect”
Hi Kim ;p
You get the prize of the day young lady because you’ve hit the nail on the head. In only a couple of sentences I might add. Our search for perfection is inherently flawed.
A very thoughtful response, thank you
Ms Priss you little punster you
You must be gaining on your hard drive problem if your humor is returning.
Actually, I am. I got a file recovery program and was able to recover some stuff. Not everything, but better some than none.
“If practice makes perfect, but nobody’s perfect, why practice?”
I have not met anyone who is perfect, nor do I think I ever will. If we had perfection in our society, there would be a hell of alot of people without jobs. We would have no use for attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, etc. And we would have no fun in this world. What fun would it be if we couldn’t raise hell every now & then?
The problems, 3T, come in when our “subjective” views of perfection are influenced by the type of propaganda that the media portrays… the perfect woman’s figure of 50 years ago probably differs greatly from that of today, for instance. Have women’s body types really changed that much, or has our “perception” of perfection changed? Given that humans are healthier now I really don’t think our body styles have evolved that much in 50 years.
I do agree with you however that perfetion is in the mind and heart of the person themselves.
“Correct practice makes perfect” K@os, if you’re practicing to be a perfect violin player, or golfer
That only means that you’re capable of playing the perfect note at the right time in the score, or capable of the perfect swing. It’s ok to strive for perfection in ourselves… to expect perfection either of ourselves or others on a regular basis is setting human beings up for failure… and we are all flawed. Especially me 
You’re absolutely right Tutu… there is no fun (happiness)if there isn’t some spice to life. Part of that spice comes from the unknown… and the differences between us. Without differences we’d all be like clones of each other… and who the hell wants to do nothing but talk and interact with only ourselves all day?
Really… I wanna be able to say stuff like “O M G Becky… look at that butt!!” What fun is that if everyone’s butt looks the same?
You can say that on Thursday night;) I think that like my question of “goodness,” it kind of depends on your definition. Is the idea of searching for cures for a disease the same theory as trying to achieve perfection? For me, yes, though I realize others may not agree. In terms of relationships, I love the line from Good Will Hunting of “it doesn’t matter whether she’s perfect or you’re perfect. What matters is that you’re perfect for each other.” And I guess that I’ve kind of defined perfection as my own realistic goals of the ideal situation. However, I’m guessing that you were primarily talking about folks who go a little crazy searching for something that can truly never be.
Well said! Seems like this post was made for your other blog…
Actually Becky, I would say that a search for a cure is a theoretical possibility, like the perfect note, or perfect pitch. It’s measureable and quantifiable… like 2+2=4 is a perfect equation.
I think you did get my point however that searching for the perfect person means a person who is perfect for you… it’s just that everyone’s goals for their potential mate are not always “realistic” or attainable. If B’Tude were looking for perfection I’d certainly be outta luck
:) Thanks M&M, I gotta keep em guessing, lol
I’ve seen the perfect man. Every time I look in the mirror, there he is. OH!
My, my Nicky boy. So vain aren’t we?
I have yet to meet the perfect soulmate. When I do, I’ll let ya all know. Especially my keikis, “snicker, snicker.”
I’m perfect.
A perfect asshole.
Actually, Tutu, I’m usually very humble. Of course, I do have sa great deal to be humble about.
;)
Ok K@os, I’ll give you that one, but you obviously practiced long and hard at it, lol
Hey Mister…I happen to love those flaws–well, most of em anyhow
If I wasn’t so damned perfectly flawed muhself–we’d have to renegotiate, lol.
PS. For public record–personality doesn’t make the person–the flaws do–it’s called character.
DB, It depends on which church you’re talking about. The fundamentalists want nothing of Darwin and some moderates are starting to lean that way.
Yeah, I’m very ready to meet you guys!
I agree with you BTude. It’s the flaws that make the characters. Why do you think my kids are the way they are?
I remember reading once, “Perfection is the end of growing.” Makes sense, too. If you’re perfect, why try harder, do new things, think different thoughts. Not being perfect means there is still a world of options open to those who want to give them a shot.
Or, as Casanunda said in the Diskworld series (in reference to being the second greatest lover in the world), “I try harder.”
Hahaha…. now you guys are starting to go off the deep end on me Wired, lol
I believe that striving for perfection is a good thing when it comes to something actually attainable. Expecting perfection from human beings, like our mates, and friends, in terms of looks or personality traits–just isn’t attainable… and in the end can make for a pretty lonely and unhappy existance.
To this extent, movies and TV have an affect on us every day. There are those people who, although intellectually they know better, dream of the life presented them on the screen… as if it were possible. They hold others to the ideals of the actors on screen… those perfect bodies and shiny personallities, in carefully thought out scenerios… and expect that their own lives should reflect the same outcomes. The goodlooking quy in the sports car with perfect teeth and hair who drinks martinis and carries a gun always gets the girl… sorry ladies–there can be only one Sean Connery or Johnny Depp… the rest of you will just have to learn to settle for less than perfection
damnit anyhow!
What you talking about, man. Those tv and movie people are more FU than anyone else, heheh. I wouldn’t wanna be like them, have their money maybe……..yes, definitely their money.
Right, BTude?
I must say, DB, you picked an awesome topic of conversation!
What about the perfect mess that the US has made of Iraq?
Dr. Kelp, isn’t that comment just the perfect line of bullshit? I don’t think a good portion of this crowd would necessarily agree on that statement, I mean consider that if the US would have just bombed the entirety of Iraq to begin with…there would only be a mess to clean up right–not an ongoing load of perfect bullshit. Aye, anarchy all the way–it’s much quicker and less painful
Great post!
I know I am a little late here, been very busy.
I think the most detrimental thing that we can do to ourselves is strive for this ever elusive place of perfection, no matter if it’s a physical perfection, perfection as a person, wife, mother, husband, child. Perfection within your job, anything for that matter.
I was made to believe, growing up, that the only way that I was going to be loved by anybody in my life is if I achieved perfection in every aspect. I pushed and pushed, constantly needing to be validated for my attempts at perfection and then thinking there was something wrong with me when I failed.
I still struggle with it sometimes, but I realize now *and after thousands of dollars in therapy* how unhealthy that is.
I really wish society would get over it too.
Better late than not at all Jade
Nobody should feel that they have to be perfect… we all have our positive attributes, and there isn’t another like us anywhere.
Thank the Gods too because I Don’t think earth could handle another me….lmao
(Applauding) I love this post!
Although I’m guilty of wanting a perfect body.