St. Jerome: 'Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.'

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.

St. Jerome's quote, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best," encapsulates the essence of continuous improvement and striving for excellence. At its core, the quote urges individuals to never settle for mediocrity but to constantly push themselves to improve in every aspect of their lives. It emphasizes the importance of setting high standards and never being complacent with one's current achievements. In essence, the quote serves as a reminder to always be on a journey of self-improvement and growth.However, let's delve deeper into an unexpected philosophical concept that can shed new light on the meaning of this quote. The idea of "Wabi-sabi" from Japanese aesthetics offers an intriguing contrast to the relentless pursuit of perfection advocated by St. Jerome. Wabi-sabi embraces imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. It finds beauty in the flawed, the weathered, and the worn. In a world that often glorifies perfection and unattainable standards, wabi-sabi reminds us to appreciate the beauty in things that are imperfect and transient.In a way, the juxtaposition of St. Jerome's quote and the concept of wabi-sabi presents an interesting paradox. While the former encourages continuous self-improvement and reaching for the best, the latter invites us to find contentment and beauty in the imperfect and the authentic. Perhaps the balance lies in recognizing the value of both perspectives – striving for excellence while also embracing the beauty of imperfection and impermanence.Ultimately, St. Jerome's quote serves as a powerful motivator for personal growth and achievement, pushing individuals to constantly refine their skills and reach new heights. At the same time, the concept of wabi-sabi offers a gentle reminder to appreciate the journey itself, with all its imperfections and impermanence. By integrating both philosophies into our lives, we can strive for excellence while finding peace in the imperfect and embracing the beauty of the present moment.