--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and…" description: "\"Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/vince-lombardi-1357_excellence_gentlemen-we-will-chase-perfection-and-w_2876474.png" --- # Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it… ![“Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.” quote by Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/vince-lombardi-1357_excellence_gentlemen-we-will-chase-perfection-and-w_2876474.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/vince-lombardi-1357_excellence_gentlemen-we-will-chase-perfection-and-w_2876474.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3cb/vince-lombardi-1357_excellence_gentlemen-we-will-chase-perfection-and-w_2876474.png) > “Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.” [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Pursuing an unattainable ideal drives relentless effort, leading to excellence even if perfection is never reached. **In simple terms:** Chasing perfection pushes you to achieve excellence. Key Takeaway Strive for excellence, not flawless perfection. Themes excellence perfection effort Mood motivational inspirational Type leadership philosophical When to use this quote - sports coaching - business leadership - personal development Key Concepts goal setting continuous improvement realistic expectations Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance high standards with realistic goals? - What signs show you’re achieving excellence? A Different Perspective Perfection can become an unhealthy obsession. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Excellence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excellence/) [Gentleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleman/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) ## Related quotes > [True perfection is unattainable, but if you chase perfection you will catch excellence!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/true-perfection-is-unattainable-but-if-you-chase-perfection-you-will/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/gentlemen-we-are-going-to-relentlessly-chase-perfection-knowing-full/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/gentlemen-we-are-going-to-relentlessly-chase-perfection-knowing-full-2/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Try to do the best, as best as to near perfection. If we chase perfection, we can achieve excellence in our endeavor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anil-sinha/try-to-do-the-best-as-best-as-to-near-perfection-if-we-chase/) [Anil Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anil-sinha/) > [Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/perfection-is-not-attainable-but-if-we-chase-perfection-we-can-catch/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Always remember... Perfection is not attainable, but if you chase perfection you can catch excellence and beyond. Be fearless...”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ziad-k-abdelnour/always-remember-perfection-is-not-attainable-but-if-you-chase/) [Ziad K. Abdelnour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ziad-k-abdelnour/) > [You can't reach perfection unless you reach zero seconds - it's just the constant chase for perfection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caeleb-dressel/you-can-t-reach-perfection-unless-you-reach-zero-seconds-it-s-just/) [Caeleb Dressel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caeleb-dressel/) > [“When you chase perfection, when you make perfection the ultimate goal, do you know what you’re doing? You’re chasing something that doesn’t exist. You’re…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andre-agassi/when-you-chase-perfection-when-you-make-perfection-the-ultimate-goal/) [Andre Agassi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andre-agassi/) > [When we place our dependence in God, we are unencumbered, and we have no worry. In fact, we may even be reckless, insofar as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/when-we-place-our-dependence-in-god-we-are-unencumbered-and-we-have/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [“But I’ve developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilynne-robinson/but-i-ve-developed-a-great-reputation-for-wisdom-by-ordering-more/) [Marilynne Robinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilynne-robinson/) > [“Call me old-fashioned, but whenever I see those wire-fortified ribbons, I have the secret stab of nostalgia for old-timey ribbon, the kind whose ends…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rhoda-janzen/call-me-old-fashioned-but-whenever-i-see-those-wire-fortified-ribbons/) [Rhoda Janzen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rhoda-janzen/) > [Brothers all In honour, as in one community, Scholars and gentlemen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-wordsworth/brothers-all-in-honour-as-in-one-community-scholars-and-gentlemen/) [William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/) > [ I failed, I think, seven \[or\] eight times before I finally got my first \[championship\]. It was just, you know, just about me growing… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shaquille-o-neal/i-failed-i-think-seven-or-eight-times-before-i-finally-got-my-first/) [Shaquille O'Neal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shaquille-o-neal/) > [I like to be bought flowers and taken out for dinner. I like a man to be a gentleman. I don't like to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharon-stone/i-like-to-be-bought-flowers-and-taken-out-for-dinner-i-like-a-man-to/) [Sharon Stone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sharon-stone/) > [“Like this, Rook.” Ford’s soft words vibrate into me. “I like you. I’d like to show you how much, actually. I’m being a gentleman…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-a-huss/like-this-rook-ford-s-soft-words-vibrate-into-me-i-like-you-i-d-like/) [J.A. Huss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-a-huss/) ## More by Vince Lombardi > [Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/winning-is-a-habit-unfortunately-so-is-losing/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Brains without competitive hearts are rudderless.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/brains-without-competitive-hearts-are-rudderless/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow. Every job is a self portrait of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/unless-you-try-to-do-something-beyond-what-you-have-already-mastered/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [They do not truly love who do not show their love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/they-do-not-truly-love-who-do-not-show-their-love/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [When you're tired, you rationalize. You make excuses in your mind. You say, "I'm too tired; I'm bushed; I can't do this; I'll loaf."…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/when-you-re-tired-you-rationalize-you-make-excuses-in-your-mind-you/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Mental toughness is many things. It is humility because it behooves all of us to remember that simplicity is the sign of greatness and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/mental-toughness-is-many-things-it-is-humility-because-it-behooves/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Winning is not the most important thing; it's everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/winning-is-not-the-most-important-thing-it-s-everything/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [The only true satisfaction a player receives is the satisfaction that comes from being part of a successful team, regardless of his personal accomplishments.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/the-only-true-satisfaction-a-player-receives-is-the-satisfaction-that/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [ \[Football is\] a game that requires the constant conjuring of animosity. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/football-is-a-game-that-requires-the-constant-conjuring-of-animosity/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [I have finished second twice in my time at Green Bay, and I don't ever want to finish second again. There is a second…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/i-have-finished-second-twice-in-my-time-at-green-bay-and-i-don-t-ever/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [They call it coaching but it is teaching. You do not just tell them...you show them the reasons.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/they-call-it-coaching-but-it-is-teaching-you-do-not-just-tell-them/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/winning-is-not-everything-but-wanting-to-win-is/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [You never win a game unless you beat the guy in front of you. The score on the board doesn't mean a thing. That's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/you-never-win-a-game-unless-you-beat-the-guy-in-front-of-you-the/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [Mental toughness is spartanism with qualities of sacrifice, self-denial, dedication. It is fearlessness, and it is love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/mental-toughness-is-spartanism-with-qualities-of-sacrifice-self/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) > [I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vince-lombardi/i-think-you-can-accomplish-anything-if-you-re-willing-to-pay-the-price/) [Vince Lombardi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) [Explore all 251 Vince Lombardi quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vince-lombardi/) ## 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. 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/) > [“But young men have not only this frivolous ambition of being thought masters of execution, inciting them on the one hand, but also their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/but-young-men-have-not-only-this-frivolous-ambition-of-being-thought/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Many humanists have argued that happiness involves a combination of hedonism and creative moral development; that an exuberant life fuses excellence and enjoyment, meaning…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-kurtz/many-humanists-have-argued-that-happiness-involves-a-combination-of/) [Paul Kurtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-kurtz/) > [You learn a lot from quality players.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marouane-fellaini/you-learn-a-lot-from-quality-players/) [Marouane Fellaini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marouane-fellaini/) > [Our civilization, bequeathed to us by fierce adventurers, eaters of meat and hunters, is so full of hurry and combat, so busy about many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-joyce/our-civilization-bequeathed-to-us-by-fierce-adventurers-eaters-of/) [James Joyce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-joyce/) > [“In your goals to go the extra mile, prepare to pay an extra cost. Excellence is to be exceptional, surpassing, more competent and a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/in-your-goals-to-go-the-extra-mile-prepare-to-pay-an-extra-cost/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [We want to promote the great quality of athletics - and maintain it's integrity - all over the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alberto-juantorena/we-want-to-promote-the-great-quality-of-athletics-and-maintain-it-s/) [Alberto Juantorena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alberto-juantorena/) > [“Anytime I see a rainbow, what comes into my mind is how skillful and talented someone was to create an ark that didn't leak…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/anytime-i-see-a-rainbow-what-comes-into-my-mind-is-how-skillful-and/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [If you are the master be sometimes blind, if you are the servant be sometimes deaf.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-buckminster-fuller/if-you-are-the-master-be-sometimes-blind-if-you-are-the-servant-be/) [R. Buckminster Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-buckminster-fuller/) > [We may be masters of our every lot By bearing it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/virgil/we-may-be-masters-of-our-every-lot-by-bearing-it/) [Virgil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/virgil/) > [Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-ford/quality-means-doing-it-right-when-no-one-is-looking/) [Henry Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-ford/) > [We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly followed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/we-cannot-all-be-masters-nor-all-masters-cannot-be-truly-followed/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [Leadership, pure and simple, is the assumption of responsibility for the pursuit of excellence in group life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-selznick/leadership-pure-and-simple-is-the-assumption-of-responsibility-for/) Philip Selznick > [The basis of all excellence is truth: he that professes love ought to feel its power.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/the-basis-of-all-excellence-is-truth-he-that-professes-love-ought-to/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) [Browse all 4,187 Excellence quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/excellence/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. 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