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the original kStyle blog.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Wednesday Writing Assignment

Argue pro- or con- the following Zen aphorism:

Sometimes 80% is enough.

kStyle said...: It's easy to be judgemental. I can beat myself up in an attempt to be perfect, and when I'm trying so hard---but not always succeeding--it's easy to become miffed with others who make messy inconveniences with a job poorly done.

Still, I always tip about 20%. Last week, we had dinner with G's aunt, who argued vehemently that he shouldn't give 20% for the poor service we'd received. On the car ride home, mulling over her arguments and dreaming up counter-arguments I couldn't get in during dinner, I hit upon something good. I've decided I believe that, at any given time, most people are honestly doing the best that they can, and that the best you can do is...well, it's the best that can be done.

Sometimes 80% is enough.; 9:23 PM
Eric said...: 80% is more than enough. At least until they give me a pretty substantial raise, they'll be lucky if I give them 80.; 9:01 AM
kStyle said...: Emma, I dig where you're coming from. For me, though, I'm saner when I realize I can't control other people, only how I interact with them.

And anyway, you mention your stepson doing things "half-assed". Half-assed is only 50%, which is way less than 80%.; 7:14 PM
Eric said...: Indeed, I try to be at least 80%-assed in all my endeavors.; 3:28 PM