This article was written in 2015. It might or it might not be outdated. And it could be that the layout breaks. If that’s the case please let me know.

Redefining perfection

In a lengthy and very inspiring blog post Peet Sneekes explains — in Dutch — that we should redefine the definition of perfection. Right now, most people think that perfection means something like new, or shiny or intact. But perfect things, says Peet, are things that can be used for a very long time, and after that time can be mended, if necessary. Things don’t have to look perfect to be perfect.

I like that. Instead of buying a new thing because there’s a dent in the old one, we can simply like the dent. Which is exactly what I do, now that I think of it. I drive an old car. My bike is 7 years old and I assume it will survive me. I buy a new pair of shoes every five years or so, when the old ones are beyond repair. I use a Blackberry Playbook as an art frame. And if future software doesn’t become too demanding, my current laptop should be fast enough for the next ten years.

And why should it become too demanding? This definition of perfection can also be applied to software. Perfect software is not shiny and fashionably new. Perfect software should be software that lasts long, with a little mending every now and then.

I really like this idea that long term should be part of the definition of perfection.