Philip Sidney: 'Our erected wit maketh us to know what perfection is.'

Our erected wit maketh us to know what perfection is.

In his quote, "Our erected wit maketh us to know what perfection is," Philip Sidney offers a thought-provoking perspective on the relationship between human intellect and the pursuit of perfection. At first glance, the quote seems to suggest that our ingenuity and cleverness allow us to grasp the concept of perfection. However, upon deeper reflection, one may raise questions about the nature of perfection and the role of our intellect in comprehending it.To interpret the quote in a straightforward manner, we can understand it as Sidney highlighting how our capacity for reason and intellectual prowess enables us to recognize and understand what constitutes perfection in various aspects of life. Whether in art, science, relationships, or personal development, our erected wit – our intellect in full form – allows us to discern excellence and aspire toward it. This recognition serves as a guiding light, encouraging us to strive for higher standards and improve ourselves.While the quote may initially appear clear-cut, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to add intrigue to the discussion: the paradox of perfection. While our erected wit may indeed provide us with the ability to perceive perfection, it also reveals the inherent impossibility of fully attaining it. Here, we encounter a fascinating juxtaposition between our aspiration for perfection and its elusive nature.In contemplating perfection, we may realize that it is an abstract concept devoid of any concrete manifestation. It exists as an ideal, forever unattainable yet ever-enticing. Our erected wit may enable us to grasp this notion, but it also exposes the limits of human understanding. As we strive for perfection, we are confronted with the realization that it constantly eludes us, leading to a perpetual state of seeking and becoming.Additionally, the concept of perfection becomes subjective when we acknowledge that different individuals may interpret it differently. What may be deemed perfect in one person's eyes might not hold the same value for another. Our erected wit may sharpen our discernment, but it cannot establish a universal standard of perfection. Therefore, the pursuit of perfection becomes a uniquely personal journey, rooted in individual circumstances and perspectives.Moreover, the quote invites us to reflect on the nature of our intellect itself. Is our erected wit truly infallible in comprehending perfection? While our intellectual prowess enables us to reason and analyze, it is our emotions, intuition, and empathy that contribute to a holistic understanding of the world. Perhaps, in the pursuit of perfection, a balance between intellectual acuity and emotional intelligence is necessary.In conclusion, Philip Sidney's quote, "Our erected wit maketh us to know what perfection is," reminds us of the pivotal role our intellect plays in our pursuit of excellence. It emphasizes how our intellectual capacities enable us to discern perfection and strive for it in diverse aspects of life. However, upon closer examination, the quote also hints at the paradoxical nature of perfection – its unattainability and subjectivity. By basing our interpretation of perfection solely on reason, we risk overlooking the complexities of emotions, intuition, and individual perspectives. Therefore, the pursuit of perfection must encompass a harmonious interplay between our erected wit and the multi-faceted dimensions of our humanity.