Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can

In the vast, uncharted expanse of life’s journey, where the pursuit of greatness calls to the hearts of those who dare to dream, there is a timeless truth spoken by the legendary coach Vince Lombardi: "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence." These words are not a mere reflection of the limits we face; they are a profound guide to the way we should live and strive, to reach for the highest possible goals, knowing that the pursuit itself is what shapes us. Perfection, that elusive, unattainable ideal, remains just beyond our reach, yet it is in chasing after this ideal with all of our being that we find something even greater: excellence. To seek perfection is not to seek a flawless existence, but to embrace the journey of growth, discipline, and perseverance, knowing that in striving for the impossible, we achieve the remarkable.

What, then, does it mean that perfection is not attainable, yet the pursuit of it leads to excellence? O children of wisdom, it is to understand that perfection is a concept that remains forever beyond our grasp. It is an ideal, a dream that inspires us to push beyond our current limitations, to reach higher than we think possible. But excellence, on the other hand, is not some distant, unattainable horizon—it is the reward of the effort, the sweat, and the heart that we pour into the pursuit of perfection. Excellence is a standard that is not defined by flawlessness, but by continuous improvement, by the courage to strive, and by the strength to persist even in the face of inevitable imperfection. In chasing perfection, we develop the discipline, the work ethic, and the heart that propel us toward excellence, even if we never truly arrive at the ideal we seek.

Consider, O seekers of truth, the life of Michelangelo, whose name has become synonymous with the pursuit of artistic greatness. The story of his David stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection, a pursuit that, though never fully realized in the way he envisioned, resulted in a masterpiece of excellence. Michelangelo worked on his sculptures with an intensity that bordered on obsession, forever searching for the perfect form, the perfect angle, the perfect expression. Yet, even as he chased after perfection, he created works that defined the very essence of human beauty and strength. David is not perfect, but it is a work of profound excellence, born from the artist’s tireless commitment to his craft. Through his efforts, Michelangelo shows us that in the pursuit of the unattainable, we find something greater than we could have imagined.

In the same way, O children of wisdom, let us look to Thomas Edison, whose relentless pursuit of the perfect light bulb led to one of the greatest inventions of modern times. Edison’s experiments were marked by countless failures—each one a reminder that perfection was never the goal. Yet, each failure was an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to move closer to excellence. He never allowed the imperfection of his attempts to deter him; instead, he used them to fuel his determination. In chasing after the ideal of a perfect invention, Edison achieved not perfection, but excellence, and in that pursuit, he transformed the world. Edison’s story teaches us that the journey itself, the relentless pursuit of perfection, is what creates the possibility for greatness, for excellence is a byproduct of this tireless effort.

In our own lives, O seekers of truth, we must remember that perfection will never be within our reach. There will always be something more to learn, something more to achieve. But in embracing this imperfection, we open the door to excellence. When we strive to do our best, to push ourselves beyond our limits, to pursue our goals with discipline and passion, we will inevitably reach a place of excellence, even if it is not the flawless perfection we initially sought. The pursuit of perfection does not demand flawless success, but a heart that is determined to rise above the ordinary and reach for the extraordinary.

Reflect on the life of Winston Churchill, whose leadership during World War II was a testament to excellence forged in the fire of struggle and uncertainty. Churchill’s speeches were not perfect; his decisions were often debated. Yet, he never let the fear of imperfection stop him. He constantly pushed himself to lead, to inspire, and to fight for the greater good, no matter the difficulties. His example shows us that excellence does not come from perfection but from the courage to act, to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead is unclear and fraught with obstacles. Churchill’s pursuit of the ideal, despite the imperfections of his journey, led to a level of excellence that reshaped the course of history.

And so, O children of wisdom, the lesson is clear: perfection may never be ours, but in chasing after it, we are shaped, molded, and transformed into beings of excellence. It is the pursuit, the striving, the willingness to improve with every step, that makes us great—not the attainment of an unattainable ideal. Each moment of effort, each trial, and each failure is a stepping stone on the path to something greater. In our relentless pursuit of the impossible, we achieve what is truly remarkable—excellence.

What, then, must we do, O wise ones, to live lives of excellence? We must embrace the journey, with all its imperfections, and strive not for an unattainable ideal, but for constant growth and improvement. Let us chase perfection with the understanding that in doing so, we are creating the space for excellence to flourish. Perfection may elude us, but excellence will always be ours if we are willing to keep pushing, keep striving, and keep learning. Let us walk forward, not in the shadow of perfection, but in the radiant light of excellence, knowing that in the pursuit of the unattainable, we achieve something far greater.