Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything

Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything

Gustave Flaubert, the renowned French novelist, is often quoted as saying, “Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything.” This statement encapsulates Flaubert’s belief that the pursuit of perfection can be a hindrance to artistic creation. Flaubert himself was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his relentless pursuit of perfection in his writing. However, he also understood the dangers of becoming too fixated on perfection.

Flaubert’s most famous work, Madame Bovary, is a testament to his dedication to his craft. He spent years meticulously crafting each sentence, striving for the perfect word choice and sentence structure. His dedication to perfection paid off, as Madame Bovary is now considered a masterpiece of realist literature. However, Flaubert’s pursuit of perfection also took a toll on his mental and physical health. He suffered from depression and anxiety, and his perfectionism often left him feeling unsatisfied with his work.

Flaubert’s statement about artists who seek perfection in everything speaks to the idea that perfection is an unattainable goal. No matter how hard an artist may strive for perfection, there will always be flaws and imperfections in their work. By fixating on perfection, artists may miss out on the spontaneity and creativity that can lead to truly innovative and groundbreaking art.

Flaubert’s own struggles with perfectionism serve as a cautionary tale for artists. While attention to detail and a commitment to excellence are important qualities for any artist, it is also important to embrace imperfection and allow for experimentation and risk-taking in the creative process. As Flaubert himself discovered, true artistic greatness often lies in the ability to let go of the quest for perfection and embrace the beauty of imperfection.