Serious critics sometimes argue that the standards in art are always relative, but all artistic masterpieces give them the lie. The only thing most people do better than anyone else is read their own handwriting. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic, and a terrible waste of time.
Excellence is to do a common thing is an uncommon way.
Booker T. Washington. The name Stradivarius is synonymous with fine violins. This is true because Antonius Stradivarius insisted that no instrument constructed in his shop be sold until it was as near perfection as human care and skill could make it. Our Daily Bread , January 25, 1993. The work of Japanese painter Hokusai spanned many years before his death in 1849 at age 89.