Summary: Is it true that no one is perfect? Is perfection an impossible goal? Or are we perfect as we are? What does it mean or would it mean to be perfect? Does perfect mean to be flawless? Does it mean to be "suitable to one's purpose"? How are we to know our purpose? Do we settle for mediocrity and decide not to strive for perfection because we are taught that perfection is not attainable? What would be on the list of "essentials" for human perfection? Is "carrying one's own weight" an essential element? Is doing one's fair share a subjective judgement or an obvious objective fact, when "all the dust has settled"? Does a virtue have to be objectively obvious to be an essential element of perfection? How about not laughing at the shortcomings of others and forgiving transgressions without hesitation? Are these essential elements of human perfection? Is it always appropriate to forgive? Is it wrong to have feeling of Schadenfreude (delight in another person's misfortune) even if one does not express them outwardly? Can one and should one control one's inner feelings, in order to be perfect? Does perfection also require making the most of one's talents, pursuing one's passions, and never selling out? What else might belong on the list? What can we say about physical perfection? How about perfection of temperament or personality? Aren't we born with some imperfections that we cannot change? How are we to pursue perfection? Is it a simple act of will? Is a personal transformation required? What are the roles of attitude, motivation, social context, support, and intervention in the pursuit of perfection? Isn't service to others part of perfection, especially in helping others to achieve their own perfection? Wouldn't a perfect person recognize that accomplishment, love, happiness and joy multiple in sharing? And even if perfection is not absolutely attainable, can we not strive in its direction? Does perfection not beckon us like a beautiful sunset on the distant horizon, perhaps out of reach, but guiding us and inspiring us nonetheless? Join citizen philosophers Carole Abel, Frank Ebbecke, Deborah Martin, Steven Stokes and myself in this stimulating and insightful discussion. Music provided by David Rood.
