“Good, better, best,
I shall never rest,
Until my good is better, and my better, best.”
Such was the popular nursery school rhyme that we sang, with our hearts poured out into it, and all gladness and joy. We were still young and tender. You could feel the charisma and enthusiasm with which we sang it like all our problems depended on how much we do. Well, we had no problems at that stage of life; so long as we eat, play and sleep when we want to.
Alas, they were just words, coated with rhythms that made it easier for us to memorise and retain. The essence of the message, whether it was passed or not remains something to be doubted. I can't really say if the message of the little rhyme got across to us. Maybe we just learnt and enjoyed singing it. However, today I know better.
There was this meme I came across at one point－memes have somehow become the culture of social media today－it expressed how we seem to be pushing hard today in life; a restless striving. It quoted this nursery rhyme as perhaps the foundation or roots from which the current restlessness in adults could be traced. That perhaps, what we sang was catching up with us. Funny one though.
As much as it was a meme, it could bring a deep reflection on the matter. What did it mean that “I shall never rest, until my good is better, and my better, best?” It could be a call for resilience, a call for hard work, a call for perseverance, or a call for excellence. In any way, the reflection of the rhyme is a call unto something great, unto becoming or giving the best.
My graphics design work gave me an insight into the matter－yes, I'm a graphic designer. And I saw it in this light, “There's always a better version.” Be it of ourselves or of our labour, skills, work, and whatever good thing we put our hands to. It's about appreciation of the current state, achievement or result, while positively desiring growth and a better, best outcome.
Some designs.
After supposedly getting done with some design work, I sometimes feel a sense of dissatisfaction; like there's more that could be done. I’ve seen a display of this with some people I was around, of different skills and crafts. It dawned on me that the goal was not just to get a job or a task done, but to do it in the best way possible, and to provide the best possible outcome or result.
Severally, I've found myself somewhat stuck with a finished design, well applauded by others, but then unsatisfactory from my end. It was about quality and the best. And let this conversation not end on our works and skills alone, it encompasses in a greater sense our lives as a whole. Are we satisfied with our current state of life? Do we feel there's more that could be achieved in our lives? Is this the best we can offer to the world? I guess we know our answers.
The fact that there's still a better version of ourselves remains true. There are times one could feel they are not doing enough, or there's more to them, something more that's required in life or a matter. Such reflections or thoughts are evidence of this reality, and not just evidence, but a call as well to update, unlock that version and bring it to life.
Images are mine.