Voltaire: 'Better is the enemy of good.'

Better is the enemy of good.

Voltaire's famous quote, "Better is the enemy of good," succinctly captures the idea that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder progress. At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive - after all, isn't it desirable to always seek improvement and excellence? However, delving deeper into the meaning behind these words reveals a profound insight into the human tendency to become trapped in a cycle of perfectionism. In our pursuit of making things better, we often overlook the value of what is already good, thus impeding our ability to move forward or appreciate the present moment.The importance of this quote lies in its reminder to strike a balance between striving for improvement and acknowledging the merit of what already exists. In a world that constantly pushes for advancement and innovation, it can be easy to get caught up in a never-ending quest for perfection, leading to dissatisfaction and a sense of inadequacy. Voltaire's words serve as a gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and recognize the worth of what is already good, rather than always chasing an unattainable ideal.Now, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to shed new light on this idea. Enter the Japanese aesthetic principle of "wabi-sabi," which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. In stark contrast to the relentless pursuit of perfection espoused by Western societies, wabi-sabi teaches us to find beauty in the flawed, the weathered, and the transient. It encourages us to embrace the natural cycle of growth and decay, finding harmony in the incomplete and the imperfect.By juxtaposing Voltaire's quote with the concept of wabi-sabi, we are challenged to reconsider our definition of "better" and "good." Could it be that true perfection lies not in flawlessness, but in the inherent imperfections that make something unique and authentic? Perhaps the enemy of good is not better in the sense of improvement, but better in the sense of an unattainable standard that robs us of contentment and appreciation for the present.In essence, the interplay between Voltaire's quote and the wabi-sabi philosophy invites us to rethink our approach to progress and perfection. It urges us to strive for improvement while also valuing the inherent beauty of what already exists in its imperfect form. By embracing the imperfect, we can find peace in the present moment and appreciate the richness of life's complexities, flaws, and all. In a world that often demands perfection, perhaps it is in the imperfect where true beauty and meaning lie.