Perfection: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal

Product Information

Tatarkiewicz, "Perfection: the Term and the Concept", Dialectics and Humanism, vol. VI, no. 4 (autumn 1979), p. 9. Thomas Curran is the world's leading expert on perfectionism, and he's written the definitive book on why it's rising, how it wreaks havoc on our lives, and what we can do to stop it. If you've ever found yourself fearing failure, ruminating about mistakes, or just feeling that you aren't good enough, this is a must read' Adam Grant

In The Perfection Trap, Thomas Curran brings together his academic expertise and lived experience to delve deep into perfectionism and the costs of living in a society where the pressures to reach perfection are more pervasive than ever. a b c Tatarkiewicz, "Ontological and Theological Perfection," Dialectics and Humanism, vol. VIII, no. 1 (winter 1981), p. 187. There was another reason for the denial, to God, of perfection — in a branch of Christian theology that was under the influence of Plotinus. In this view, the absolute from which the world derived could not be grasped in terms of human concepts, even the most general and transcendent. Not only was that absolute not matter, it was not spirit either, nor idea; it was superior to these. It exceeded any description or praise; it was incomprehensible and ineffable; it was beyond all that we may imagine — including perfection. [37] How dare you question my taste, woman?” he demanded. “If I say you’re beautiful then you’re beautiful so get the hell over it!” he snapped.

Retailers:

In Curran’s view, society doesn’t view perfectionism as a problem and instead considers it ‘our favourite flaw.’

The form of the word long fluctuated in various languages. The English language had the alternates, "perfection" and the Biblical "perfectness." [2] The word "perfection" derives from the Latin " perfectio", and "perfect" — from " perfectus". These expressions in turn come from " perficio" — "to finish", "to bring to an end". " Perfectio(n)" thus literally means "a finishing", and "perfect (us)" — "finished", much as in grammatical parlance (" perfect"). [2] Tatarkiewicz, "Moral Perfection", Dialectics and Humanism, vol. VII, no. 3 (summer 1980), pp. 118–19.

Select a format:

Tatarkiewicz, "Aesthetic Perfection," Dialectics and Humanism, vol. VII, no. 4 (autumn 1980), p. 152. a b c Tatarkiewicz, "Perfection: the Term and the Concept," Dialectics and Humanism, vol. VI, no. 4 (autumn 1979), p. 5. Curran takes us on a journey to better understand the nature of perfectionism, how it affects us, where it comes from, and why it is on the rise. The hero does something awful at the beginning. Give him a chance. He deserves forgiveness. You’ll see. Baked to Perfection contains all the recipes and scientific understanding you need to bake anything gluten-free, and for it to work perfectly every time. Katarina has produced a beautiful and inspiring book that makes me want to head for the kitchen and switch on the oven! A magnificent achievement' - Juliet Sear, author of The Cake Decorating Bible

An English translation of Tatarkiewicz's book ( On Perfection), by Christopher Kasparek, was serialized in Dialectics and Humanism: the Polish Philosophical Quarterly, vol. VI, no. 4 (autumn 1979), pp.5–10; vol. VII, no. 1 (winter 1980), pp.77–80; vol. VII, no. 2 (spring 1980), pp.137–39; vol. VII, no. 3 (summer 1980), pp.117–24; vol. VII, no. 4 (autumn 1980), pp.145–53; vol. VIII, no. 1 (winter 1981), pp.187–92; and vol. VIII, no. 2 (spring 1981), pp.11–12.Based on his research with Professor Andrew Hill, Curran states that levels of perfectionism over the past 30 years and, in particular socially prescribed perfectionism, are rising at an exponential rate among college students in the UK, US and Canada. And while we know perfectionism largely develops from genetics and our early life experiences, Curran highlights that this doesn’t necessarily explain why levels of perfectionism are rising. Rather, Curran argues “the culprit is culture”. Today, burnout and depression are at record levels, driven by a combination of intense workplace competition, the comparative world of social media, the quest for elite credentials, and helicopter parenting. Society continually broadcasts the need to want more, and that we have to be perfect to get it. Why is this a trap, and how can we escape it? The book highlights that societal change is needed to counter the rise of perfectionism. But, while many people may want, and advocate for, change, it will no doubt take time to work towards this as a society. Ultimately, it will require policy changes and huge collective action, such as stricter regulations for advertising and social media platforms, fewer mandatory tests in schools and colleges alongside a greater focus on development and learning, and the creation of a more level playing field through policies such as basic income (244). But, for now, Curran suggests, we must “meet the world where it is” and accept what we can’t control (211).