Skip to content

Best Quote by Voltaire

“The best is the enemy of the good.” quote by Voltaire
Download Open image
“The best is the enemy of the good.”

Voltaire

About This Quote

Source Book: Dictionnaire Philosophique, 1764

People often reject good enough in pursuit of perfection, missing what already works.

In simple terms: Perfection can ruin good things.

Key Takeaway

Accept good, avoid unnecessary change.

Themes

perfectionism contentment decisionmaking

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advisory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • product design
  • personal goals
  • policy making
  • quality control

Key Concepts

Opportunity cost satisficing

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does striving for better become harmful?
  • How can we recognize when good is enough?
A Different Perspective

Good may be sufficient, but sometimes improvement is needed.

4.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Voltaire

Explore all 934 Voltaire quotes

More Best quotes

Browse all 21,674 Best quotes