Quotes / Perfection Is Impossible

"The 'perfect being', you said? I have to tell you the honest truth. There is nothing in this world that is truly 'perfect'. It may be a cliche thing to say, but it's the way things are. That's precisely why ordinary men pursue the concept of perfection, it's infatuation. But ultimately, I have to ask myself, what is the true meaning of perfection? And the answer is, there is none. Not one thing. I spit in the eye of perfection. If something truly is perfect, that's it! No more intelligence, ability or improvement! Do you understand? To true scientists like you and I, 'perfection' is tantamount to 'despair'. We aspire to reach greater levels of brilliance than ever before, but never, NEVER, to reach perfection. That is the paradox through which we scientists must struggle. Indeed, it is our duty to find pleasure in that struggle. In other words, you may think we operate on the same level, but you're wrong. The moment you started spouting that perfection nonsense, you had already lost to me. That is of course if you are a scientist at all."

—Mayuri Kurotsuchi to Szayelaporro Granz, Bleach

Kerrigan: Tell me about your work.

Abathur: Look at flesh, see only potential. Strands, sequences, twisting, separating, joining. See how it could be better. Eat flesh, splinter bone. Inside me, can touch it. Weave it. Spin it. Make it great.

Kerrigan: But not perfect?

Abathur: Never perfect. Perfection goal that changes. Never stops moving. Can chase, cannot catch.

Kerrigan: You certainly have your uses.

—Kerrigan and Abathur, Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm

"Did you know that the first Matrix was designed to be a perfect human world? Where none suffered, where everyone would be happy? It was a disaster. No-one would accept the program. Entire crops were lost. Some believed we lacked the programming language to describe your perfect world...but I believe that, as a species, human beings define their reality through misery and suffering."

—Agent Smith, The Matrix

"The thing about perfection is that it's unknowable. It's impossible, but it's also right in front of us all the time. You wouldn't know that because I didn't when I created you."

—Kevin Flynn, TRON: Legacy

"The first Matrix I designed was, quite naturally, perfect. It was a work of art. Flawless. Sublime. A triumph equalled only by its monumental failure."

—The Architect, The Matrix Reloaded

"There's no such thing as perfect. You're beautiful as you are, Courage. With all your imperfections, you can do anything."

—Fish, Courage the Cowardly Dog

"If every pork chop were perfect, we wouldn't have hot dogs."

—Greg Universe, Steven Universe

Mollie: You can have a perfect boyfriend, but you'd probably feel bored.
Owen: You could run a perfect park, but tell me where is the reward?
Paige: If the world was picture-perfect, then there'd never be a scoop.
Cole: If you make a giant mess, just blend it up and call it soup.

—Central Park, Season 1 "Hot Oven", "Imperfectly Perfect"

I'm just so sick of being perfect! I'm never gonna be good enough for her. Or anyone.

—Ming Lee, Turning Red

Dwarf in the Flask: Tell me, why did you refuse to join me? Why God? How did I disappoint you you?
The Truth: You were incapable of believing in yourself. (Dwarf turns to face The Truth) You stole your power from others, you rejected your human origins and chose to covet the power of what you call "God". You never grew beyond your days in the flask. Did you truly think you'd become superior to humans by removing your seven desires? Don't make me laugh.
Dwarf in the Flask: What's wrong with that? I only wanted to obtain perfection. I wanted this world's knowledge for my own! Why should I be punished for that? What's wrong with craving knowledge? What's wrong with seeking perfection!?!

— Dwarf in the Flask talking to the Truth, Fullmetal Alchemist