The pursuit of the perfect, then, is the pursuit of sweetness and light.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Seeking perfection leads to pursuing sweetness and light.
- In plain terms
- Trying to be perfect means chasing kindness and knowledge.
- What can you take from it?
- Pursue perfection through kindness and intellect.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does perfection mean to you?
- How do you seek light?
Another view
Sweetness and light may feel too abstract for some.
More from Matthew Arnold
There is no better motto which it [culture] can have than these words of Bishop Wilson, 'To make reason and the will of God prevail.'
Permalink to quote #122 Things and actions are what they are, and the consequences of them will be what they will be: why, then, should we desire to be deceived?'
Permalink to quote #124 To thee only God granted A heart ever new: To all always open; To all always true.
Permalink to quote #121
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