That Which is "Perfect"

In our daily lives, we sometimes use the word "Perfect" to describe something that went well, or something that suits what we want. "That suit is perfect on you." "That idea is perfect." In life, we look for the "perfect" job, the "perfect" spouse, or the "perfect" house.

What is really "perfection" though? To be perfect for you or perfect for me? That perfect house for you, with the big kitchen and the study room might be "perfect" for you if you enjoy cooking and have a preference for books and working in the study room.

However, if you don't cook, buy ready-to-eat food and basically just use the microwave all the time, will that house with the big kitchen be perfect for you? You might prefer to have more space for a pool table. The study room isn't necessary, you'd rather have a swimming pool. In this case, one house is perfect for one person but not for the other.

What is the perfect man or the perfect woman? Do they exist? The perfect man, might be one who is educated, has a job with a reasonable income, healthy, a "good" person, has a good family. Some might require more: he might need to have a large house, a good car, and a family fortune on which to fall on.

Therefore, "perfect" in itself is neverending. More criteria can always be given to find the "perfect" man or the "perfect" woman. You might add, that he must not have a family history of baldness, cancer, be loyal, or never been ill in his life...

"Perfection" therefore is really infinite. There is no end to "perfect." More criteria can always be found.

So what is "Perfect" then?

Is it preferences? Not really, then we'd just use the word "preference."

A definition I really like though is one by Aristotle. Perfection according to him is:
1. which is complete — which contains all the requisite parts;
2. which is so good that nothing of the kind could be better;
3. which has attained its purpose

So perfection therefore is one which is complete. 2) and 3) can really be considered subsets of 1) for if 3) is true and the house serves our purpose, then 2) would also hold true.

What do you think is "perfect?" Does perfection really exist?

Is this a "perfect" world in which we live? Are we living the "perfect" lives with the "perfect" job and the "perfect" house?

Or is "perfection" really all just a dream to remind us of the "imperfections" so we can strive to be "perfect?"

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