The Perception of Perfection

I don’t like tomatoes, everyone knows that. But I can admire the beautiful, perfect symmetry and rich red color of a ripe tomato. I think that heirloom varieties are beautiful and perfect too, like yellow and red striped tomatoes, or my favorite Cherokee purples. While I think they look perfect, they are not my favorite food so I would not call a plate of tomatoes that I would be expected to eat, a perfect meal. But I can agree that they are perfect. So what is perfect and what is perfection and how do we relate to it?

I think it is as hard to wrap our heads around the concept of perfectionism as it is to accept acceptance. It requires a form of emotional distancing and discretion that is hard to embody especially when you’re talking about superlatives, things you feel very strongly about. When you say something is perfect, to you it embodies the highest achievement you believe is possible. Perfection implies, well, perfection. It says to the world that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it and it is as good as something can get. Until it isn’t perfect any more.

What happened to perfection when it is no longer perfect? Was it ever perfect? Were we wrong?

Nothing happens to perfection, it is just that our perception of perfection changes and shifts all the time. We think perfection is permanent but it isn’t, and we just have to acknowledge that and allow for shifts in perfection that accompany our own shifts in perception.

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Created, narrated, and produced by Jennifer Hoffman.

Artwork by Jennifer Hoffman.

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