Kontos Column: Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good
By Dan Kontos
It is usual to want the very best out of life, and most of us have our preconceived image of what an ideal world should look like, whether it’s our family, community, nation, or humanity itself. I think that just about all of us suffer from a certain level of perfectionism projected onto the world around us, not in an unhealthy way, but as a practical matter.
If you have done any traveling at all, or have lived in other parts of the world, you quickly realize that we have it pretty darn good here in central Wisconsin, and Portage County especially.
Now, this is where almost in a kneejerk reaction, I am expected to qualify my statement with something like, while no community is perfect, or something to that effect. These statements are intended to fend off the inevitable ambushing ankle-biters who are just waiting to pounce on any sensed opportunity to tear someone else down rather than do something to improve themselves. Doubt me? Just spend 30 seconds checking the comments on social media. You can, I don’t.
So, unapologetically, I stand by my statement that we have it pretty darn good here. As part of our human societal nature, we are always looking to improve our lives, and thus our small piece of the globe. Perfection of the human condition may be perpetually out of reach for us in this world, but we can still continue to make strides in achieving meaningful advancements along the way.
Whether you are reading this online or in print, human beings have come a long way in a short amount of time. Imagine reading my column in the 18th Century, at the founding of our nation, for example. Electricity, the internet, computers, printing technologies, and even the climate control of the structure you are in right now are all improvements to the human condition. They are not perfect, but they are at least good.
So why is it that many of us cannot accept the good, because it isn’t “the perfect?” We argue, obstruct, and turn against our neighbors, not necessarily because we have polar opposite views or objectives, but because your otherwise good solution isn’t flawless.
This isn’t new. Many throughout history have recognized this unshakable flaw of mankind. From Confucius to Montesquieu, Shakespeare to Voltaire, we have known about and discussed this uniquely human peculiarity for quite some time.
This is particularly stark when we are choosing from competing “good” choices. Our tendency is to knit-pick any less-than-perfect aspects of our non-preferred option, choosing to tear down the good, rather than seeking societal reconciliation and general incremental improvement.
One particular example of this that comes to mind, harkening back to one of the multiple failed plans by the county to construct a new courthouse. Here, an extremely complex project was opposed by one former very influential local official who resisted any plan that didn’t include large striking windows in the courtrooms, like there are currently now. This despite the fact that this option went against modern security and environmental best practices, and would add millions of dollars to the ultimate cost.
Good can truly be the enemy of perfection, and sometimes it’s okay to accept good enough in order to get things done.
Make no mistake, we all do it. Look at our comments when it comes to candidates for elected office, municipal projects, or even our favorite sports teams. If they are not just like me, not exactly how I would do it, or win the championship every year, they stink. Really?
Life is imperfect. Yet as a society, we have a tendency to move relentlessly toward greater emphasis on achievement and goal orientation. When we do so, we seem to lose the capacity for wonder, awe, and appreciation of the beauty in our imperfections that make us unique. Instead of being hard on each other, if we simply embrace our natural state, we could come into acceptance of the fact that life is imperfect, that people are not perfect, and we might utilize this knowledge to benefit those around us and ourselves.
Human beings are imperfect by our very nature. We are born; we die. While we’re here, we experience hardship, joy, frustration, and peace in a myriad of ways. Why then do so many of us constantly seek to find a problem where none really exists? No one is perfect, but the absolute pursuit of perfection to the exclusion of everything else is an old story that can only end in disappointment.
Tolerating imperfection doesn’t mean embracing mediocrity. Nor does it suggest lowering your standards. It doesn’t even mean giving up the “good fight,” opposing that which is wrong, or taking on righteous causes. Rather, working toward a goal of truly good enough means you’re not going to get stuck waiting for the perfect to come along before you take action. Nor will you actively obstruct improvement, because they don’t measure up to an unrealistic yardstick.
Remember this when it comes to the upcoming elections, referendums, public budgets, and municipal projects. Don’t confuse as adversaries of our community those who are advancing good ideas. There is enough scum and villainy in the world without us having to invent our own boogeymen.
So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about it with all of our imperfections, boldly, unafraid, and with a healthy respect for each other. Until then, God bless.
Dan Kontos is a paid columnist for the Metro Wire. He chooses his own topics and his opinions do not necessarily represent the staff of the Metro Wire. He lives with his family in Whiting.
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