February 2, 2025

Better is the enemy of good.

Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), Italian writer, quoting an Italian proverb: Il meglio è l’inimico del bene. Seldes p.46

Is not compromise—where everyone in the end can support some outcome that no one loves—the essence of democracy?

“We want better” is often the rallying cry of those opposed to the good. Others are foolish enough to believe the long leap to the best is even feasible.