Sunday, August 9, 2009

Write When Inspired

Interesting piece by Jeffrey Zeldman on writing quality. His main point:
Write when inspired; rest when tired.
Fine words in the abstract, but not always practical in a deadline-driven world, such as medical care. I'd love to only work when I'm well rested, but some things just have to be done now, regardless of how I feel. I would counter with another aphorism:
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they're not.
Some of my orthopedic colleagues would put it more bluntly:
Sometimes best is the enemy of good enough.
The reader commentary ( and Mr. Zeldman's reply) make for a great point-counterpoint on this theme. I especially enjoyed Glenn Fleishman's comments.
Inspiration is uneven; work must be even.

(hat tip to Daring Fireball)

2 comments:

Zorg said...

I like Voltaire's version: "Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien", meaning, "The perfect is the enemy of the good."

The Samurai Radiologist said...

@ Zorg: I like Volaire's version too. Thanks for adding that.