More Reflections of a Lazy Day
Gentle Friends,
Here I sit in my study drinking coffee and reflecting on my experience in Schaumburg. I am still unpacking and inspecting the wonderful treasures I found there. So far, they all seem undamaged and beautiful.
As I examine my small fighting forces, my thoughts turn to the many posts that people have made concerning the errors, the sculpting, the painting, and other alleged imperfections of today's toy soldier makers. I recall discussions of incorrect shoulder patches, painted windshield and cockpit windows, inadequate detailing, and poor packaging. And,...who could possibly forget the never-ending discussion of the tracks on King and Country fighting vehicles?
As I consider these past discussions, I ask myself why are some collectors so obsessed with such details. One answer I consider is that many collectors seem to seek perfection in that which they collect. If perfectionism is the goal, then I am just a bit saddened by this fact. It seems to me that perfectionism is a doomed quest for it can never be fully achieved. To seek perfection is to always experience some form of disappointment. At its worst, the quest for perfection can result in depression, disgust, and great frustration.
What seems to me to be far healthier than seeking perfection is to strive for excellence. Striving for excellence implies that one seeks to produce the highest level of performance of which one is capable. When I examine my new toy soldier treasures and I compare them with the toy soldiers of old, I see tremendous improvements in their qualilty. The comparision leaves me with no doubt that today's toy soldier makers demonstrate a significant level of striving for excellence. And,...all of them should be complimented for the wonderful efforts they have made to elevate the level of toy soldier art. I believe we should be very thankful that they are committed to excellence and that they do not become too discouraged by the critical feedback presented by those collectors who seek perfection.
I once again glance at my new found treasures and I think, "Wow! How do these people produce such wonderful figures!"
These are just a few of my thoughts on this lazy day.
See you down the road.
Warmest personal regards,
Pat
Gentle Friends,
Here I sit in my study drinking coffee and reflecting on my experience in Schaumburg. I am still unpacking and inspecting the wonderful treasures I found there. So far, they all seem undamaged and beautiful.
As I examine my small fighting forces, my thoughts turn to the many posts that people have made concerning the errors, the sculpting, the painting, and other alleged imperfections of today's toy soldier makers. I recall discussions of incorrect shoulder patches, painted windshield and cockpit windows, inadequate detailing, and poor packaging. And,...who could possibly forget the never-ending discussion of the tracks on King and Country fighting vehicles?
As I consider these past discussions, I ask myself why are some collectors so obsessed with such details. One answer I consider is that many collectors seem to seek perfection in that which they collect. If perfectionism is the goal, then I am just a bit saddened by this fact. It seems to me that perfectionism is a doomed quest for it can never be fully achieved. To seek perfection is to always experience some form of disappointment. At its worst, the quest for perfection can result in depression, disgust, and great frustration.
What seems to me to be far healthier than seeking perfection is to strive for excellence. Striving for excellence implies that one seeks to produce the highest level of performance of which one is capable. When I examine my new toy soldier treasures and I compare them with the toy soldiers of old, I see tremendous improvements in their qualilty. The comparision leaves me with no doubt that today's toy soldier makers demonstrate a significant level of striving for excellence. And,...all of them should be complimented for the wonderful efforts they have made to elevate the level of toy soldier art. I believe we should be very thankful that they are committed to excellence and that they do not become too discouraged by the critical feedback presented by those collectors who seek perfection.
I once again glance at my new found treasures and I think, "Wow! How do these people produce such wonderful figures!"
These are just a few of my thoughts on this lazy day.
See you down the road.
Warmest personal regards,
Pat
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