Perfect Tone A stradivarius violin is understood only in contrast to lesser instruments. Even this is secondary to the concept of the perfect tone. By stretching one's mind to conceive the perfect tone one begins the pursuit of that experience.
Connoisseurship is, therefore, meditative, rather than quantitative.
To comprehend the highest ideal is the goal. To become the embodiment, for a moment, of the clearest understanding is the challenge. And then to share that with others is the desire. Abolish the cult of originality, if you can. I don't see too many postmodernists leaving the limelight if they get it.