The problem with taking offense is that it's really hard to figure out what to do with it after you're done using it. Better to just leave it on the table and walk away. Umbrage untaken quietly disappears.
Seth GodinRead
Perfect can't possibly be the goal, we're left with generous, important and human instead.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Striving for perfection can hinder our acceptance of human qualities like generosity and importance.
In this quote, Seth Godin emphasizes that the pursuit of perfection is often unrealistic and can lead to dissatisfaction. Instead of aiming for an unattainable ideal, we should value the qualities that make us human, such as generosity and the ability to be significant in our interactions and contributions. This perspective encourages us to embrace imperfection and seek growth and connection over flawlessness.
Themes
PerfectionHumanGenerosityImportanceGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech to encourage teams to embrace their flaws.
More from Seth Godin
All quotes →Not adding value is the same as taking it away.
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Excellence isn’t about meeting the spec, it’s about setting the spec. It defines what the consumer sees as quality right this minute, and tomorrow, if you’re good, you’ll reset that expectation again
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Living with doubt ... is almost always more profitable than living with certainty. _x000D_ People don't like doubt, so they pay money and give up opportunities to avoid it. _x000D_ Entrepreneurshi p is largely about living with doubt. If you need reassurance, you're giving up quite a bit to get it. On the other hand, if you can get in the habit of seeking out uncertainty, you'll have developed a great instinct.
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The danger of the Web is that you can go from idea to public announcement in under ten minutes.
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Art isn't only a painting. Art is anything that is creative, passionate and personal. Art is the unique work of a human being created to touch another. Art is created to have an impact, to change someone else.
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