It is the very mind itself

that leads the mind astray,

–of the mind

do not be mindless.

–Takuan Sōhō

Voltaire once said, “Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien,” — the perfect is enemy of the good.  

A few of us, together around a table at Barnes & Noble last night, and several more were “present” virtually, discussed our understanding of this principle, and of its life-applications.  Aristotle propounded the principle of the “golden mean” which was surely known to the bronze age Greeks.  Perfection, a state of the mind, can be approached in this world asymptotically, gradually, by dint of ever increased effort, with diminishing progress toward the goal.  Our discussion was captivating, at times impassioned. Certainly I felt, as did my friends engaged together in thought how essential is this cautionary aphorism to a satisfying life.

Here’s another way of putting the matter:  Watson-Watt, who developed early warning radar in Britain to counter the rapid growth of the Luftwaffe, propounded a “cult of the imperfect”, which he stated as “Give them the third best to go on with; the second best comes too late, the best never comes.   –Wikipedia

Best of all I like the manner of expression of a 16th century Buddhist abbot.  Takuan’s way of putting the matter is characteristically metaphysical, as Buddhists are wont to do.  Takuan advises that we ought to never forget that the rational mind which is necessary and adept at solving practical, immediate problems often leads us astray when we decide that we prefer perfection; desire perfection in lieu of what is sufficient and good in a given context.  To learn more about Takuan Sōhō CLICK HERE.