Lewis Carroll: 'Which form of proverb do you prefer Better late than never, or Better never than late?'

Which form of proverb do you prefer Better late than never, or Better never than late?

In the realm of proverbs and wise sayings, Lewis Carroll's thought-provoking quote, "Which form of proverb do you prefer: Better late than never, or Better never than late?" invites us to ponder the merits of punctuality and perfectionism. At first glance, the quote appears to juxtapose the value of completing a task or fulfilling a commitment, albeit belatedly, against the notion of prioritizing timeliness to avoid delays altogether. While these two perspectives seem to stand on opposing sides, it is in exploring the underlying philosophical concepts that we unearth a fascinating exploration of time, priorities, and individuality.On the surface, the straightforward interpretation of Carroll's quote can be understood as a timeless debate between those who prioritize timeliness above all else and those who believe in perfection and refuse to settle for deadlines. The first proverb, "Better late than never," advocates for completing a task or fulfilling a commitment, even if it means facing delays or setbacks along the way. This approach values perseverance and recognizes that accomplishing something, albeit delayed, is still better than not completing it at all. On the other hand, the proverb "Better never than late" resonates with those who prioritize timeliness to such an extent that they would rather avoid a situation altogether if they cannot meet the established timeframe. This perspective holds steadfast to the belief that if one cannot execute a task within the designated time, it is better to abstain entirely.Yet, diving deeper into the philosophical realm, we can introduce the concept of the "flow state" or "optimal experience" as proposed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. This unexpected foray into psychology infuses our exploration with greater interest and intrigue. Csikszentmihalyi defines the flow state as a mental state of complete absorption and energized focus in an activity. It is a state of being in which time seems to fly by, and our skills and abilities align harmoniously with the challenge at hand. When we consider Carroll's quote through this lens, we may find that it captures a profound conflict between two aspects of our psyche: our intrinsic need for completion and our innate desire to be fully present in the moment.In this context, "Better late than never" aligns more closely with the flow state philosophy. It acknowledges that, in certain scenarios, pursuing a task or commitment, even if tardy, can still foster personal growth, accomplishment, and the experience of the flow state. By allowing ourselves to engage in an activity we are passionate about, we may discover moments of heightened concentration and fulfillment, regardless of the elapsed time. This perspective emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey, rather than fixating solely on the endpoint or societal constraints.Conversely, "Better never than late" highlights the significance of timeliness in preserving our equilibrium and equanimity. This viewpoint recognizes the potential stress, strain, and dissatisfaction that can arise from attempting to complete a task past its due date. It underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations and seeking to avoid undue pressure and anxiety. By refraining from engaging in an activity when the opportune time has passed, we may spare ourselves needless worry and direct our energy towards endeavors that are more aligned with our present capabilities and aspirations.Ultimately, the debate provoked by Carroll's quote invites us to reconcile the tension between pursuing completion and embracing the present moment. Striking the right balance between the two may involve cultivating self-awareness, understanding our own capabilities and limitations, discerning the significance of a particular task, and considering the potential emotional and psychological consequences. It also entails recognizing that the timeline we impose upon ourselves is often subjective, and the definitions of timeliness and perfectionism vary among individuals.In conclusion, Lewis Carroll's contemplative quote, "Which form of proverb do you prefer: Better late than never, or Better never than late?" offers more than a simple choice between different perspectives on timeliness and completion. By introducing unexpected philosophical concepts such as the flow state, we delve into a more nuanced exploration of time, priorities, and individuality. This quote serves as a reminder to find the delicate balance between pursuing personal growth and acknowledging the importance of timeliness in preserving our well-being. Through introspection and a deeper understanding of our own values, we can forge a unique path that embraces both punctuality and flexibility, allowing us to fully engage with the world while staying true to ourselves.