--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Do not be afraid of perfection - you will…" description: "\"Do not be afraid of perfection - you will never attain it.\" — Salvador Dali" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/salvador-dali-2350_afraid_do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will_3144238.png" --- # Do not be afraid of perfection - you will never attain it. ![“Do not be afraid of perfection - you will never attain it.” quote by Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/salvador-dali-2350_afraid_do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will_3144238.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/salvador-dali-2350_afraid_do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will_3144238.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/salvador-dali-2350_afraid_do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will_3144238.png) > “Do not be afraid of perfection - you will never attain it.” [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Perfection is an unattainable ideal; fearing it prevents effort, so embrace imperfection and progress. **In simple terms:** Don’t fear perfection because it’s impossible to achieve. Key Takeaway Accept imperfection and keep improving. Themes perfection fear growth realism Mood motivational cautious thoughtful Type self‑help inspirational When to use this quote - artistic practice - personal development - education - project management - software development Key Concepts psychology philosophy creativity Questions to Reflect On - How does fear of perfection affect your work? - What steps can you take to value progress over flawless outcomes? A Different Perspective The push for perfection can lead to paralysis or burnout if not balanced with realistic goals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Excellence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excellence/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) ## Related quotes > [“One who is content with what he has, and who accepts the fact that he inevitably misses very much in life, is far better…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-merton/one-who-is-content-with-what-he-has-and-who-accepts-the-fact-that-he/) [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) > [Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who can't attain it in anything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/artists-who-seek-perfection-in-everything-are-those-who-can-t-attain/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Consciously or unconsciously, we are all striving for perfection. Every being must attain to it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/swami-vivekananda/consciously-or-unconsciously-we-are-all-striving-for-perfection-every/) [Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/swami-vivekananda/) > [“one could not attain greater personal excellence without also paving the way for everyone else in society to attain it as well.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-phillips/one-could-not-attain-greater-personal-excellence-without-also-paving/) [Christopher Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-phillips/) > [Imperfection is beautiful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shelby/imperfection-is-beautiful/) [Shelby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shelby/) > [Perfection is no more a requisite to art than to heroes. Frigidaires are perfect. Beauty limps. My frigidaire has had to be replaced.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ned-rorem/perfection-is-no-more-a-requisite-to-art-than-to-heroes-frigidaires/) [Ned Rorem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ned-rorem/) > [Were I to await perfection, my book would never be finished](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/were-i-to-await-perfection-my-book-would-never-be-finished/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I find beauty in imperfection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-morrison/i-find-beauty-in-imperfection/) [Rachel Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-morrison/) > [The perfection in theater is that it's over the second it's done](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-hurt/the-perfection-in-theater-is-that-it-s-over-the-second-it-s-done/) [William Hurt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-hurt/) > [In the eyes of those lovers of perfection, a work is never finished a word that for them has no sense but abandoned; and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-valery/in-the-eyes-of-those-lovers-of-perfection-a-work-is-never-finished-a/) [Paul Valery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-valery/) > [“Seek excellence not perfection, that alone is a perfect choice.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-chirisa/seek-excellence-not-perfection-that-alone-is-a-perfect-choice/) [Wayne Chirisa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-chirisa/) > [Happiness consists in always aspiring perfection, the pause in any level in perfection is the pause of happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/happiness-consists-in-always-aspiring-perfection-the-pause-in-any/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Life is too short to look for perfection.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-t-geissinger/life-is-too-short-to-look-for-perfection/) [J.T. Geissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-t-geissinger/) > [The pursuit of perfection is frustrating and a waste of time, because nothing is ever perfect. The pursuit of excellence is commendable and worthwhile.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-kulwicki/the-pursuit-of-perfection-is-frustrating-and-a-waste-of-time-because/) [Alan Kulwicki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-kulwicki/) > [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/) ## More by Salvador Dali > [Since I don't smoke, I decided to grow a mustache - it is better for the health. However, I always carried a jewel-studded cigarette…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/since-i-don-t-smoke-i-decided-to-grow-a-mustache-it-is-better-for-the/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/there-is-only-one-difference-between-a-madman-and-me-the-madman/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/those-who-do-not-want-to-imitate-anything-produce-nothing/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Someone like myself, who claimed to be a real madman, living and organized with a Pythagorean precision.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/someone-like-myself-who-claimed-to-be-a-real-madman-living-and/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [I seated ugliness on my knee, and almost immediately grew tired of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/i-seated-ugliness-on-my-knee-and-almost-immediately-grew-tired-of-it/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Great wine requires a mad man to grow the vine, a wise man to watch over it, a lucid poet to make it, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/great-wine-requires-a-mad-man-to-grow-the-vine-a-wise-man-to-watch/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Liking money like I like it, is nothing less than mysticism. Money is a glory.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/liking-money-like-i-like-it-is-nothing-less-than-mysticism-money-is-a/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Instead of stubbornly attempting to use surrealism for purposes of subversion, it is necessary to try to make of surrealism something as solid, complete…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/instead-of-stubbornly-attempting-to-use-surrealism-for-purposes-of/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [It is mostly with your blood, Gala that I paint my pictures](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/it-is-mostly-with-your-blood-gala-that-i-paint-my-pictures/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/at-the-age-of-six-i-wanted-to-be-a-cook-at-seven-i-wanted-to-be/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [To be interesting, one has to provoke.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/to-be-interesting-one-has-to-provoke/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Beauty should be edible, or not at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/beauty-should-be-edible-or-not-at-all/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/the-thermometer-of-success-is-merely-the-jealousy-of-the-malcontents/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Democratic governments are not suited to the publication of the thunderous revelations I am in the habit of making. The unpublished parts will appear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/democratic-governments-are-not-suited-to-the-publication-of-the/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) > [Without hesitation, I place Freud among the heroes. He dispossessed the Jewish people of the greatest and most influential of all heroes-Moses.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/without-hesitation-i-place-freud-among-the-heroes-he-dispossessed-the/) [Salvador Dali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) [Explore all 153 Salvador Dali quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/) ## More Afraid quotes > [It took me 20 years to buy an electric typewriter, because I was afraid it would be too sensitive. I like to bang the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elmore-leonard/it-took-me-20-years-to-buy-an-electric-typewriter-because-i-was/) [Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elmore-leonard/) > [“Carrie Fisher. “Stay afraid, but do it anyway.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabrielle-union/carrie-fisher-stay-afraid-but-do-it-anyway/) [Gabrielle Union](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabrielle-union/) > [I used to be afraid of my temper, but it turns out I don't really have one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoe-bell/i-used-to-be-afraid-of-my-temper-but-it-turns-out-i-don-t-really-have/) [Zoe Bell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zoe-bell/) > [I get afraid of the dark if I'm in a great deal of dark, and I have to move around inside of that fear...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emil-ferris/i-get-afraid-of-the-dark-if-i-m-in-a-great-deal-of-dark-and-i-have-to/) [Emil Ferris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emil-ferris/) > [I am not afraid of praise, for I have practiced it on myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/i-am-not-afraid-of-praise-for-i-have-practiced-it-on-myself/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [I'm a pretty fearless person. I'm afraid of, like, creepy men in white vans and sidewalks with no streetlights. But I'm not afraid to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josie-totah/i-m-a-pretty-fearless-person-i-m-afraid-of-like-creepy-men-in-white/) [Josie Totah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josie-totah/) > [I will support my party when they are right on an issue, but am not afraid to stand up to party bosses who are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darlene-senger/i-will-support-my-party-when-they-are-right-on-an-issue-but-am-not/) Darlene Senger > [Why am I so afraid to loose you,when you're not even mine?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/why-am-i-so-afraid-to-loose-you-when-you-re-not-even-mine/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I want to tell you, but I cant, becuase I'm afraid if I do you'll never treat me same the again](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cristina-orante/i-want-to-tell-you-but-i-cant-becuase-i-m-afraid-if-i-do-you-ll-never/) [Cristina Orante](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cristina-orante/) > [Mistakes I've made in the past make me afraid to try new things in the future. I want to be perfect.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-altucher/mistakes-i-ve-made-in-the-past-make-me-afraid-to-try-new-things-in/) [James Altucher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-altucher/) > [“Humans are naturally scared and confused beings. They not only fear the unknown, as they live fearing themselves... ☥”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luis-marques/humans-are-naturally-scared-and-confused-beings-they-not-only-fear/) [Luis Marques](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luis-marques/) > [If you are too afraid of failure, you cant possibly do what needs to be done to succeed in living a fulfilling life. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melchor-lim/if-you-are-too-afraid-of-failure-you-cant-possibly-do-what-needs-to/) [Melchor Lim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melchor-lim/) > [We cannot be afraid of the dark that they live in.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/burnie-burns/we-cannot-be-afraid-of-the-dark-that-they-live-in/) [Burnie Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/burnie-burns/) > [“I think the reason we're cruel sometimes is that we're afraid we're going to like something.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-berg/i-think-the-reason-we-re-cruel-sometimes-is-that-we-re-afraid-we-re/) [Elizabeth Berg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-berg/) > [I'm still with that feeling that I am afraid of doing the wrong thing, because somebody is going to punish me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eartha-kitt/i-m-still-with-that-feeling-that-i-am-afraid-of-doing-the-wrong-thing/) [Eartha Kitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eartha-kitt/) Browse all 5,519 Afraid quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Do not be afraid of perfection - you will never attain it.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Salvador Dali" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will-never-attain-it/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Afraid" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will-never-attain-it/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/salvador-dali-2350_afraid_do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will_3144238.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/salvador-dali-2350_afraid_do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will_3144238.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/salvador-dali-2350_afraid_do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will_3144238.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Do not be afraid of perfection - you will never attain it.” — Salvador Dali", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Salvador Dali", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/salvador-dali/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Do not be afraid of perfection...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will-never-attain-it/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/salvador-dali/do-not-be-afraid-of-perfection-you-will-never-attain-it/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```