Perfection

1. The pursuit of perfection. It seems that our society strives to be perfect. Our looks always have to be perfect, and at the sight of one little blemish or wrinkle, one always feels the need to correct it. People also strive to make their souls "perfect". For many, this is attempted by being religious, or practicing the latest spiritual fad. Truthfully, I believe that no one can ever be perfect, so what's the point in trying to be? Not saying that you shouldn't be the best person you can be, but just don't be too hard on yourself in situations you can't control. Perfection can never really be attained because when does it even start? How do you know when or if you have reached a level of perfection? Again, I believe the answer to this question is never because there will always be those who tell you you aren't good enough and you need to strive to be more perfect. The pursuit of perfection is a bottomless pit that one can avoid falling into by living the live one is given to the fullest and never looking back or wishing anything was done differently.

2. In Tuesdays With Morrie, Morrie is reminiscing about always striving to be perfect. When you strive for this, nothing you have worked for has any meaning because there will always be the next thing that is more important. Morrie illustrates this idea when he says, "I always wished I had done more with my work; I wished I had written more books. I used to beat myself up over it. Now I see that never did any good. Make peace. You need to make peace with yourself and everyone around you." This is and important concept because Morrie realizes his true goals in life, not the ones that will make him feel more perfect and accomplished. Perfection is also shown in this book when Morrie talks about his "perfect day". To Mitch, this perfect day of walking in nature, dancing, and sleeping seems so bland and boring. Mitch finally gets the point that perfection is reveling in the simple things when he says, "It was so simple. So average. I was actually a little disappointed. I figured he'd fly to Italy or have lunch with the President or romp on the seashore or try ever exotic thing he could think of. After all these months, lying there unable to move a leg or a foot-- how could he find perfection in such an average day? Then I realized this was the whole point." Once Mitch comes to the conclusion that perfection can be so simple to attain, because it just comes when you stop trying to attain it, he is truly inspired.

3. I agree with what these examples are saying and I think that they offer great advice. My favorite piece of advice is that when you stop trying to be perfect, you really achieve this goal because you stop pushing yourself so hard and you can just stop and look around and admire the journey.

4. Finally, my questions for you, the reader, are as follows: What do you think the true definition of perfection is? Do you think humans should stop trying to achieve it and just enjoy the lives they have?