The good vs. the best

ASIDE from being able to distinguish between what is

clearly good and what is clearly bad, we need to learn to distinguish

the different levels and nuances of what is good, since we have to

choose the right good at the right moment or situation. Not everything

that is good in itself is the good thing to be, have or do in a given

situation.

            In this regard, two aphorisms can illustrate this point

where the good and the best can, in fact, clash. One is, “The good is

the enemy of the best.” And the other is, “The best is the enemy of

the good.” And we have to know when each is applicable.

            That “the good is the enemy of the best” simply means that

one is contented with settling for things that are merely good or

adequate while preventing him from achieving that which is ideal.

            In the gospel, this phenomenon is illustrated in that

parable where Christ spoke about the kingdom of heaven being like

treasure hidden in a field and about a merchant looking for fine

pearls. (cfr. Mt 13,44-46)

            When a man found the treasure hidden in the field, he hid

it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that

field. Also, when the merchant found a pearl of great value, he went

away and sold everything he had in order to buy that pearl.

            This attitude of settling only with what is passable or

adequate and not striving to have the ideal or the best is a

manifestation of certain spiritual lukewarmness or of a spirituality

that is stuck in mediocrity. The fervor of love is missing. The

creativeness and inventiveness of love is absent. It’s an attitude

that can expose a conscience that is lax.

            Sad to say, many people fall for this kind of attitude and

lifestyle. We need to find a way of rousing them from their state of

lethargy and self-contentment, and of motivating them to get out of

their comfort zone if they truly know that they can do more. If they

have the proper spirit and is truly burning with love, they would be

willing to leave behind what is already good in order to pursue what

is better, if not the best.

            The other aphorism, “the best is the enemy of the good,”

simply means that one is obsessed with what he considers to be

perfection. In other words, he is afflicted with the anomaly called

perfectionism. It’s an attitude that can spring from a scrupulous

conscience.

            Variations of this aphorism are Confucius’ “Better a

diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” Or Shakespeare’s “Striving

to better, oft we mar what’s well.” An example of this attitude is

when a student is so obsessed in making an excellent research that he

fails to submit his work on time.

            In the gospel, this phenomenon is exemplified when Christ

said that it would be better to have one eye, or one hand or one arm

and enter heaven than to have both of these faculties but go to hell.

(cfr. Mt 18,8-9)

            It’s a call to be contented with what is already adequate

or to make do or put up with something that is already bearable if the

ideal condition cannot be achieved. It’s a call to be realistic and

practical.

            Obviously, for us to know which case is appropriate in a

given situation, we need to refer ourselves to God in our conscience.

It’s true that we have to aim at what is the best, but if for some

reason the best condition cannot be achieved, we have to be contented

with what we have or what is doable or achievable, even if it is not

the ideal.

            Usually when we refer things to God, some peace of mind

and a sense of confidence would be felt.