Article March 1, 1958 Issue

WHAT IS A PERFECTIONIST?

KATHERINE S. WHITNEY

Frequently we hear the comment made, "She is a perfectionist," or one will say rather dolefully, "I am not a perfectionist." But what really constitutes a perfectionist? Is it one who is devoted to material detail, with its attendants of criticism and faultfinding, dissatisfaction and hurt? Is it not, rather, one who is devoted to spiritual facts and the expression of Godlike qualities?

Peoples of all times have sought after and labored for perfection. If its source is sought in matter, frustration and disappointment follow. A false concept of this quality entered into the first picture of evil in the Bible. The serpent, tempting Eve, is recorded to have said (Gen. 3:5), "Ye shall be as gods." Here matter was depicted as a desirable state, wholly apart from God and true goodness. But this false standard of perfection led to a separation from good.

What a contrast to that serpentine suggestion was the true teaching of Christ Jesus! How clearly he directed the earnest and rich young man who asked him what he should do to have eternal life! The Master cited obedience to the Commandments as a prerequisite.

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