Hannah Arendt: 'In order to go on living one must try to escape the death involved in perfectionism.'

In order to go on living one must try to escape the death involved in perfectionism.

Hannah Arendt, a prominent philosopher and political thinker, once said, "In order to go on living one must try to escape the death involved in perfectionism." This profound quote encapsulates a fundamental truth about the human condition - the relentless pursuit of perfection can ultimately lead to our demise. In a world where societal pressures and personal expectations often push us towards striving for flawless outcomes, Arendt's words serve as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers that lie in the pursuit of perfection.To understand the meaning and importance of this quote, we must first explore the concept of perfectionism. Perfectionism can be defined as the tendency to set excessively high standards for oneself and others, coupled with a deep fear of failure or making mistakes. While some might view perfectionism as a positive trait that drives individuals to excel, Arendt highlights the darker side of this pursuit. She suggests that the pursuit of perfection can be all-consuming, trapping individuals in a cycle of never-ending self-imposed expectations and inhibiting their ability to truly live.Arendt's assertion that perfectionism involves death is not to be taken literally. Instead, she is referring to the psychological and emotional toll that perfectionism can exact on individuals. The relentless striving for flawlessness can lead to a sense of inadequacy, anxiety, and burnout. It can create an unattainable ideal that separates individuals from the messiness of real life, leading to a disconnection from one's authentic self and ultimately stifling personal growth.To further illuminate the meaning of this quote and bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the discussion, let us delve into the idea of "wabi-sabi." Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that embraces imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of the incomplete. In stark contrast to the pursuit of perfection, wabi-sabi encourages individuals to find beauty and contentment in the acceptance of life's inherent flaws and transience.When we juxtapose Arendt's quote with the concept of wabi-sabi, we find an intriguing contrast. While perfectionism represents a fixation on achieving an idealized state of flawlessness, wabi-sabi celebrates the flaws, the imperfections, and the transitory nature of existence. It suggests that true beauty and fulfillment can be found in embracing the authentic and the imperfect.Escaping the death involved in perfectionism, as Arendt suggests, involves breaking free from societal pressures and self-imposed expectations. It requires a shift in mindset, a reevaluation of values, and the opening of oneself to vulnerability. Embracing imperfection allows individuals to connect more deeply with their own humanity and that of others. It grants permission to make mistakes, to learn, and to grow. It liberates individuals from the suffocating burden of always needing to be perfect and cultivates a greater sense of self-acceptance and self-compassion.In conclusion, Hannah Arendt's quote, "In order to go on living one must try to escape the death involved in perfectionism," holds profound meaning and importance in understanding the human condition. It serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers of obsessively pursuing perfection, which can lead to a stifling of personal growth and a disconnection from authenticity. By introducing the concept of wabi-sabi, we can further explore the contrast between the pursuit of flawlessness and the celebration of imperfection. Ultimately, escaping the death involved in perfectionism necessitates a shift towards embracing imperfection, finding beauty in flaws, and cultivating self-acceptance. Only then can individuals truly live and thrive in a world that often demands an unattainable ideal.