In my last post I told the story of Ben Franklin and his conclusion that when it comes to living a perfect moral life, in all practicality its best to be "a speckled axe."

Trying to arrive at "moral perfection" through strict dedication to virtues not only takes an incredible amount of time and effort, its unhealthy and frustrating. Most importantly, the quest for moral perfection alienates your family and friends.

We'll never know if this is the case. Ben says that it was happening with him and I'm willing to take his word. But he also believed it was possible to reach some sort of perfection.

It was in his power. It is in your power.

What if you could arrive at a perfection in life that was fun to pursue, and didn't have such unappealing consequences? What if the "shiny axe" wasn't moral perfection based on strict adherence to virtue but something different, better, and more attainable? What if it wasn't an axe at all?

The Definition of Perfection

Marcus Aurelius says that "Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence."

This may seem just as daunting to some. But does it sound arduous? Does it sound impossible? No.

Let's look at perfection differently.

It doesn't take spreadsheets, comprehensive watch-dog systems, and constant struggle to reach it.

Smile before you go to bed tonight. Try it again tomorrow. Keep doing it.

Ask yourself, "what good have I done today?", "who did I help today?", or "was I myself today?"

Allow yourself a few faults. You're not virtuous all the time, which is probably a good thing. But are you thankful for the life you've got? Do you have friends and family that love you?

Forget the axe. Go for the shining sword.