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.
Seth GodinRead
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
Seth GodinRead
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.
Seth GodinRead
The danger of the Web is that you can go from idea to public announcement in under ten minutes.
Seth GodinRead
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.
Seth GodinRead
Similar quotes
Drugs will get you out of your own way, but we lived it, and that's dangerous. It can actually turn around on itself and steal your soul, and that's what happened.
Steven TylerRead
Do not overlook tiny good actions, thinking they are of no benefit; even tiny drops of water in the end will fill a huge vessel. Do not overlook negative actions merely because they are small; however small a spark may be, it can burn down a haystack as big as a mountain.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Real eyes, realize, real lies.
Tupac ShakurRead
May we do good everywhere as we have opportunity, and results will not be wanting!
Charles SpurgeonRead
I've always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy. The civil rights movement thrives on unity and inclusion, not division and exclusion. My husband's struggle parallels that of the gay rights movement.
Coretta Scott KingRead
Always do I recall the parting words uttered by my old governor: "My boy, never . . ." I won't set 'em down. I disregarded them fool-like and paid, and paid; had I a son I'd hand 'em on and ram 'em home. What fools we be when young. We fancy we be wise, forgetting that the old boys have graduated in the 'varsity of the world, the greatest 'varsity of all, and each day we should learn from they.
Robert Baden-PowellRead