The Fallacy of Perfection
Written by: Motti Wein, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach tells a story of a man who, after many years of marriage, was not blessed with a child. He went to a great sage for a blessing and was told to go to “Wolf,” who would be able to provide the blessing. “Wolf” wasn’t an easy person to be around. His body odor was atrocious. He did not present himself properly at all. Furthermore, he was always yelling. The man in need of a blessing was shocked that “Wolf” was best qualified to provide this needed blessing but did as he was told and traveled to see “Wolf.”
Upon arrival, the man saw "Wolf's" house—a tattered wreck. The grass was not cut in at least years. Windows were broken. Graffiti all over the outside stucco. The man mustered up enough courage to knock on the door, or at least what remained of it. A lady in ripped clothing whose breath reeked of alcohol answered and screamed, “Who are you?!” The man answered, “I am here to see "Wolf" for a blessing.” The lady answered, screaming, “My husband isn’t home. Even if he was home, he doesn’t allow intruders. Go far away now, for your own safety!”
The man left in tears, not knowing what to do. He lay down to rest in a nearby barn, crying to God to bless him with a child. He fell asleep.
He soon woke up to see “Wolf” standing over him. “Wolf,” however, was not the “Wolf” he knew. “Wolf” was dressed in the finest of clothing. His teeth were sparkling white. He had a pleasant aroma to him and spoke in the sweetest of voices.
Shocked, the man walked with “Wolf” back to "Wolf’s" house. The house was brand new. The grass was immaculately cut. There was new siding all around. The windows were sparkling clean.
Entering the house, the table was beautifully set with the prettiest flowers, fanciest dishes, and most delicious foods. "Wolf’s" wife was extremely presentable. “Wolf” blessed the man to have a healthy child.
Excited and well-fed, the man returned home to share the wonderful news of the blessing with his wife. Upon return, he noticed a commotion. It turned out “Wolf” passed away, and none of the townspeople wanted to take part in the funeral due to his nasty and unpleasant personality.
The man grew agitated and tried explaining that he merited to see the real “Wolf,” who is not at all the way they originally viewed him. Unfortunately, to no avail.
One year later, the man and his wife were blessed with a healthy baby boy, whom they named “Wolf.”
Human nature is to look down on those who are different. Furthermore, it is quite common to demand perfection. We want the perfect spouse. The perfect car. The perfect house. The perfect job.
What we fail to realize is that there is no such thing as perfection. Every one of us is different, bringing our own uniqueness to the world. We all have strengths, and we all have weaknesses.
On a deeper level, the way we are looked at by others parallels the way we ourselves look at others.
If we don’t view our spouse perfect, they won’t view us as perfect.
If we don’t view another’s car as perfect, others won’t view our car perfect.
If we don’t view another’s house as perfect, others won’t view our house perfect.
If we don’t view our job as perfect, our job won’t view us as perfect.
If we judge others strictly by their faults & failures, others will likewise judge us strictly by our faults & failures.
“Wolf's" personality is completely dependent on us and how we view him. We are all “Wolf.” “Wolf” is all of us.
Motti Wein, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Founded in 2015 by Motti Wein, we don't view honesty as the best policy; rather, we view it as the foundation for all policies. Let us use our cumulative decades of experience in overcoming adversary, leadership, trust, real estate, customer service, business acumen, family values, and our good name to help you manage and grow your NJ real estate investment portfolio. We may be reached at 732-415-8446 or emailed at WeinRealtyLLC@gmail.com. Wein Holdings, Wein Consulting, Wein Management, and Wein Lending are Wein Realty, LLC divisions. Please note we are a proud member of "Mem Dalet" - an initiative to encourage traditional Jewish workplace values in an ever-increasing nationwide culture of harassment & assault against women and general hostility towards religion. For more information, please contact us. Regarding Mr. Wein's work in kosher supervision, please email Wein.ChaimM@gmail.com or MWein@JewishHomeFreehold.org.
