What’s the Best Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Received?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

(Notice that jross has bowed out and is not arguing with me a single bit. Why do you think that is?)

Cael achieved a "perfect" D1 collegiate record. 

Does anyone here really think that a "done" record is better than a "perfect" one?

I'm saying, "Done is not better than perfect". And all of you are somehow arguing that I'm wrong!?

Let's hear your arguments. Line up, let's go.

[scourge165]

On 5/29/2025 at 7:49 PM, JimmySpeaks said:

I’m not that smart.

 

Of all the words that have ever been written, posted or uttered...never was it less necessary than for you to share this...little "secret" with us!

Even the people who may agree with you in political matters know this Scout..Jimmy(whichever you'd like). 

We are all accutely aware!

[JimmySpeaks]

5 hours ago, scourge165 said:

 

Of all the words that have ever been written, posted or uttered...never was it less necessary than for you to share this...little "secret" with us!

Even the people who may agree with you in political matters know this Scout..Jimmy(whichever you'd like). 

We are all accutely aware!

Speaking of something from weeks ago.  

[jross]

8 hours ago, GreatWhiteNorth said:

(Notice that jross has bowed out and is not arguing with me a single bit. Why do you think that is?)

Cael achieved a "perfect" D1 collegiate record. 

Does anyone here really think that a "done" record is better than a "perfect" one?

I'm saying, "Done is not better than perfect". And all of you are somehow arguing that I'm wrong!?

Let's hear your arguments. Line up, let's go.

Rather than bow out, I shared relevant advice:  Say it once, say it well, then let it stand.

• JRoss said "Done is better than perfect."
• GWN said "Perfect is always better than done. Always. Every single time."

Both are right, depending on the context, and neither is universally true. These are facts of life.  "Done" suits iterative, low-risk, or time-sensitive scenarios. "Perfect" fits high-stakes, precision-driven, or reputation-critical tasks.  

As this debate drags on unnecessarily, more advice applies:

• Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
• Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.

[ionel]

2 hours ago, jross said:

As this debate drags on unnecessarily, more advice applies:

• Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
• Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.

Related:  don't argue with a snow plow.  

[GreatWhiteNorth]

13 hours ago, jross said:

Rather than bow out, I shared relevant advice:  Say it once, say it well, then let it stand.

• JRoss said "Done is better than perfect."
• GWN said "Perfect is always better than done. Always. Every single time."

Both are right, depending on the context, and neither is universally true. These are facts of life.  "Done" suits iterative, low-risk, or time-sensitive scenarios. "Perfect" fits high-stakes, precision-driven, or reputation-critical tasks.  

As this debate drags on unnecessarily, more advice applies:

• Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
• Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.

Nope. Wrong again. Why are you such a tool about this? I'd like to say it once, but boneheads like you just don't get it.

The phrase "Done is better than perfect" doesn't include any mention of "time-sensitive scenarios" - which is exactly why it's such a terrible quote. If modified by time constraints, which it isn't, it would make sense. (But it would have to be a different quote.)

And "Perfect is always better than done. Always. Every single time" is per the definition of "perfect" - something that simply can't get any better. It is perfection. Which makes it universally true.

Edited yesterday at 03:42 AM by GreatWhiteNorth

[jross]

A practical truth spoken over centuries...

• Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien -  Voltaire 1770
• Le mieux est le mortel ennemi du bien - Montesquieu 1726
• Striving to better, oft we mar what's well - Shakesphere 1606
• To go too far is as bad as to fall short - Confucius 5th Century BCE

The phrase “done is better than perfect” is clear and self-evident, promoting action and completion over the paralyzing pursuit of flawlessness, a principle of moderation that needs no further context to be understood.

Absolutist dismissal of ‘done is better than perfect’ under any circumstance borders on trollish behavior.