Sometimes what is best for us.... • page 1/3 • Off-Topic Discussion • lichess.org

Sometimes what is best for us, or at least better for us, is not perfect.

It has been said that the "good" is the enemy of the "great." And that saying is not without value.

But it has also been said that perfect is the enemy of good. And that, too, is not a saying without value.

Sometimes, we don't want to admit to ourselves when something is not working. Then somebody suggests to us a solution that, while imperfect, is nevertheless a clear improvement.

Not every suggested solution is correct, obviously. But sometimes, in response to a proposed solution that actually is an improvement, we begin to play "what about..." and "yeah, but...." and try to avoid departing from a status quo that is not pleasant or even good, but nevertheless has the sad benefit of being familiar and allowing us to spend no effort trying to change, as a situation continues to degrade.

Sometimes, change, while uncomfortable, is better, even if not perfect in every way. And when that is true, should we avoid it? Try to rationalize its denial?

And now, to switch topics, do you have a favorite color? I used to think blue was best. And I find yellow to be cheerful and bright. But lately, I've come to value orange. It is an under-valued shade.

Pumpkins. On a crisp fall day. The turning leaves. Orange never gets old.

If we can change our favorite color, I'm sure we can develop new, better habits? No?

Let us hope so.

Sometimes what is best for us, or at least better for us, is not perfect. It has been said that the "good" is the enemy of the "great." And that saying is not without value. But it has also been said that perfect is the enemy of good. And that, too, is not a saying without value. Sometimes, we don't want to admit to ourselves when something is not working. Then somebody suggests to us a solution that, while imperfect, is nevertheless a clear improvement. Not every suggested solution is correct, obviously. But sometimes, in response to a proposed solution that actually is an improvement, we begin to play "what about..." and "yeah, but...." and try to avoid departing from a status quo that is not pleasant or even good, but nevertheless has the sad benefit of being familiar and allowing us to spend no effort trying to change, as a situation continues to degrade. Sometimes, change, while uncomfortable, is better, even if not perfect in every way. And when that is true, should we avoid it? Try to rationalize its denial? And now, to switch topics, do you have a favorite color? I used to think blue was best. And I find yellow to be cheerful and bright. But lately, I've come to value orange. It is an under-valued shade. Pumpkins. On a crisp fall day. The turning leaves. Orange never gets old. If we can change our favorite color, I'm sure we can develop new, better habits? No? Let us hope so.

NM MrPushwood

#2

Is this what Leo Buscaglia is up to now?

#3

SimonBirch

#4

Blah blah , blah, blah is what I read xxx

Noflaps

edited

#5

I doubt that is what you read, since I can read and I don't see a single "blah" preceding your statement, @SimonBirch -- unless it appears in something that's been deleted and can no longer be read (which I suppose is possible).

But I can understand a reluctance to read. It's not unusual! Have an excellent evening!

Incidentally, @MrPushwood , you might ask Leo but ... you know ... that would be difficult at this point.

I doubt that is what you read, since I can read and I don't see a single "blah" preceding your statement, @SimonBirch -- unless it appears in something that's been deleted and can no longer be read (which I suppose is possible). But I can understand a reluctance to read. It's not unusual! Have an excellent evening! Incidentally, @MrPushwood , you might ask Leo but ... you know ... that would be difficult at this point.

SimonBirch

#6

@Noflaps said in #5:

But I can understand a reluctance to read. It's not unusual! Have an excellent evening!

Ha ha just teasing , peace up xxx

@Noflaps said in #5: > But I can understand a reluctance to read. It's not unusual! Have an excellent evening! Ha ha just teasing , peace up xxx

Noflaps

edited

#7

Peace! And doves n'stuff, @SimonBirch !

Paul Simon's music rendered me permanently unable to be upset with people named "Simon."

Peace! And doves n'stuff, @SimonBirch ! Paul Simon's music rendered me permanently unable to be upset with people named "Simon."

SimonBirch

#8

I always hear Paul Simon as poor simon, every time xxx

LordSupremeChess

#9

Sometimes what is best for us... is to do what isn't best for us.

Noflaps

#10

That's like thinking "no" means "yes," @LordSupremeChess . It is typically a mistake, and often a serious one.

Let's just do the best we reasonably can.

Now, let's start hearing those favorite colors! And I hope "Orange" is featured prominently!

Although Liverpool Red would be nice, too.

That's like thinking "no" means "yes," @LordSupremeChess . It is typically a mistake, and often a serious one. Let's just do the best we reasonably can. Now, let's start hearing those favorite colors! And I hope "Orange" is featured prominently! Although Liverpool Red would be nice, too.