Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away

Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the renowned French writer, poet, and aviator, is perhaps best known for his timeless classic, "The Little Prince." In this beloved novella, Saint-Exupery explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes. However, one of the most profound lessons that can be gleaned from Saint-Exupery's work is the idea that perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

This concept is beautifully illustrated in "The Little Prince" through the character of the fox, who imparts wisdom to the Little Prince about the nature of relationships and the importance of cultivating meaningful connections. The fox tells the Little Prince, "On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux," which translates to "One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye." This sentiment encapsulates the idea that true perfection lies not in material possessions or superficial qualities, but in the intangible essence of a person or thing.