#114: Anattā, Sprezzatura & Strategic Approximation
3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Achieving Perfection
I. Anattā
Anattā is the Buddhist doctrine of “no-self”, meaning that nothing in humans is permanent. Our opinions, beliefs, habits and desires, even the atoms in our bodies, are ever-changing. So if everything is in constant flux, how can we achieve a state of perfection, let alone be the judge of it?
II. Sprezzatura
Sprezzatura is an Italian term for the art of making everything you do seem effortless, no matter how difficult it is. It was coined by Baldassare Castiglione in 1528. Here’s Robert Greene quoting the Italian courtier in The 48 Laws of Power:
“Practice in all things a certain nonchalance which conceals all artistry and makes whatever one says or does seem uncontrived and effortless.” We all admire the achievement of some unusual feat, but if it is accomplished naturally and gracefully, our admiration increases tenfold — “whereas…to labor at what one is doing and…to make bones over it, shows and extreme lack of grace and causes whatever its worth, to be discounted.”
—Robert Greene, The 48 Laws of Power
III. Strategic Approximation
Stop looking for the perfect decision. Management consultant Peter F. Drucker explains why:
There is no perfect strategic decision. One always has to pay a price. One always has to balance conflicting objectives, conflicting opinions, and conflicting priorities. The best strategic decision is only an approximation — and a risk.
—Peter F. Drucker
Decisions almost always have unintended consequences, which I wrote about in an essay about all the things that could possibly go wrong. 🐘
Have a great week,
Chris
themindcollection.com
P.S.: Check out my latest article about Spectrum Street Epistemology: How to Be Less Wrong.