Perfection is the measure of heaven, and the wish to be perfect the measure of man.

What did Johann Wolfgang von Goethe mean by:

Perfection is the measure of heaven, and the wish to be perfect the measure of man.

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This quote implies that perfection is the standard in heaven, a place often depicted as flawless and without sin or error. On the other hand, the desire to achieve perfection is the measure of a man, suggesting that human worth or value is determined by our striving towards perfection, even if it’s an unattainable ideal.

The concept of perfection here could be interpreted on different levels. It could mean moral perfection, intellectual perfection, physical perfection, or a combination of these. The emphasis is on the aspiration, the pursuit of perfection, rather than the attainment of it. This desire for perfection is what drives human beings to improve, to grow, and to develop. It’s our inherent wish to be better, to strive for excellence in whatever we do.

In today’s world, this idea is more relevant than ever. In a society that often values results over efforts, we tend to overlook the importance of the journey towards perfection. We are often too focused on the end goal, forgetting that it’s the desire to reach that goal that truly defines us. This quote reminds us to appreciate the process, the striving, the learning, and the growing that comes with the pursuit of perfection.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be a guiding principle. It encourages us to constantly strive for improvement, to never settle for mediocrity. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about nurturing the desire to be better, to learn more, to push our boundaries, and to continually evolve. This desire for perfection can fuel our motivation, drive our ambition, and inspire us to reach for our highest potential.

However, it’s also important to remember that while striving for perfection, we should not let the fear of imperfection hinder us. The pursuit of perfection should not lead to self-deprecation or an unhealthy obsession with flawlessness. Instead, it should promote self-improvement, resilience, and the courage to make mistakes and learn from them.

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