December 9, 2025

…the best is often unattainable, and therefore the true legislator and statesman ought to be acquainted, not only with that which is best in the abstract, but that which is best relatively to circumstances.

Aristotle (384–322 BC), Greek philosopher and polymath, Politics, 1288b21

How good are you at identifying the unattainable best? Or what’s best in the abstract? And distinguishing either from what is best relative to circumstances? Can you cite an instance where you did so?

This quotation is first cousin to the Italian proverb: Il meglio è l’inimico del bene (The best is the enemy of the good).