--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Perfection is only an ideal for man; it…" description: "\"Perfection is only an ideal for man; it cannot be attained, for man is made imperfect.\" — Mahatma Gandhi" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/268/mahatma-gandhi-23_excellence_perfection-is-only-an-ideal-for-man-it-c_3144903.jpg" --- # Perfection is only an ideal for man; it cannot be… ![“Perfection is only an ideal for man; it cannot be attained, for man is made imperfect.” quote by Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/268/mahatma-gandhi-23_excellence_perfection-is-only-an-ideal-for-man-it-c_3144903.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/268/mahatma-gandhi-23_excellence_perfection-is-only-an-ideal-for-man-it-c_3144903.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/268/mahatma-gandhi-23_excellence_perfection-is-only-an-ideal-for-man-it-c_3144903.jpg) > “Perfection is only an ideal for man; it cannot be attained, for man is made imperfect.” [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human imperfection makes perfect ideals unattainable, reminding us to accept flaws and strive for realistic goals. **In simple terms:** Perfection is unattainable due to human flaws. Key Takeaway Embrace imperfection and set achievable aims. Themes humility realism self‑acceptance Mood reflective serene Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - personal development - leadership - education - mental health Key Concepts philosophy ethics Questions to Reflect On - How can you balance idealism with practicality? - What realistic standards can you set for yourself? A Different Perspective Ideal perfection can cause frustration and paralysis. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Excellence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excellence/) [Ideal man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideal-man/) [Ideals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideals/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) ## Related quotes > [Then say not Man's imperfect,Heav'n in fault; Say rather, Man's as perfect ashe ought:](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-pope/then-say-not-man-s-imperfect-heav-n-in-fault-say-rather-man-s-as/) [Alexander Pope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-pope/) > [Perfection is an ideal that helps in removing, not demeaning imperfections.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tasneem-hameed/perfection-is-an-ideal-that-helps-in-removing-not-demeaning/) [Tasneem Hameed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tasneem-hameed/) > [Underneath the inharmonious and trivial particulars, is a musical perfection, the Ideal journeying always with us, the heaven without rent or seam.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/underneath-the-inharmonious-and-trivial-particulars-is-a-musical/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [my definition of the ideal man is 'that particular man with whom a woman happens to be in love at that particular time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clare-boothe-luce/my-definition-of-the-ideal-man-is-that-particular-man-with-whom-a/) [Clare Boothe Luce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clare-boothe-luce/) > [Ideal mental health, like freedom, exists for one person only if it exists for all people.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phyllis-chesler/ideal-mental-health-like-freedom-exists-for-one-person-only-if-it/) [Phyllis Chesler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phyllis-chesler/) > [The highest ideal man can form of his own powers, is that which he is destined to attain. 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But in every case avoid British intervention."](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/my-motto-is-unite-now-today-if-you-can-fight-if-you-must-but-in-every/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [I have no disciples, being myself an aspirant after discipleship and in search of a guru.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/i-have-no-disciples-being-myself-an-aspirant-after-discipleship-and/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [Man becomes not the lord and master of all creation but he is its servant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/man-becomes-not-the-lord-and-master-of-all-creation-but-he-is-its/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) [Explore all 3,284 Mahatma Gandhi quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) ## More Excellence quotes > [Imperfections are what make you perfect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nia-tell/imperfections-are-what-make-you-perfect/) [Nia Tellé](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nia-tell/) > [The pursuit of perfection is frustrating and a waste of time, because nothing is ever perfect. 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