The most basic inherent constraint is that neither time…
“The most basic inherent constraint is that neither time nor wisdom are free goods available in unlimited quantity. This means that in social processes, as in economic processes, it is not only impossible to attain perfection but irrational to seek perfection- or even to seek the best possible result in each separate instance.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Time and wisdom are limited resources, making perfect outcomes impossible and seeking them irrational.
In simple terms: Time and wisdom are scarce; perfection is impossible.
Accept limits and aim for good enough.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy design
- business planning
- personal decision‑making
- project management
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance ambition with realistic limits?
- When is “good enough” sufficient?
Over‑optimizing can waste resources.