The Trap of Perfectionism in Modern Society
A recent study in Taiwan revealed a significant increase in depression rates among university students, rising from 16.3% before the pandemic to 25.5% afterward. This highlights the growing pressure and exhaustion felt by modern individuals, driven by societal expectations and relentless competition. This article explores the roots and consequences of perfectionism, drawing insights from psychologist Thomas Curran and others.
The Dark Side of Perfection
American novelist Alan Poe's short story, "The Plain Painting," serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing perfection at the expense of relationships and well-being. While self-sacrifice was once mocked, modern companies often glorify it, expecting employees to demonstrate a willingness to work tirelessly.
Different Faces of Perfectionism
Perfectionism manifests in various forms:
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Self-Oriented: Driven by internal enthusiasm, workaholics push themselves without external pressure.
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Other-Oriented: Individuals feel compelled to meet high standards set by others.
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Socially Prescribed: Characterized by a constant concern about others' opinions and fear of criticism.
The author primarily focuses on socially prescribed perfectionism, a collective cultural style that fuels a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. Studies show that this type of perfectionism has increased significantly among Western students from 1989 to 2016 (by 7.2%).
The Myth of Perfection and Success
Despite the societal emphasis on perfection, research indicates that it doesn't guarantee success. Psychologist Patrick Goudreau found that work output plateaus after a certain point, rendering additional effort ineffective. Perfectionism can even be counterproductive, akin to over-fertilizing plants.
Competitive Individualism and its Consequences
German psychoanalyst Karen Honner argues that modern culture promotes a contradictory "competitive individualism." Society encourages high-pressure environments where sacrifice for work is valued. However, capitalism inherently limits the number of individuals who can reach the top, leading to widespread feelings of inadequacy. This creates a cycle of failure, contributing to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and panic.
The Role of Supply-Side Economics and Advertising
The relentless pursuit of economic growth, fueled by supply-side economics, has led to a rise in global marketing and advertising. These industries actively cultivate dissatisfaction to drive consumption. Advertising aims to make people feel inadequate, constantly seeking the next purchase to feel complete. The global advertising industry reached a production value of $1.4 trillion by 2023.
Economist Richard Eastling's research shows that increased material wealth doesn't necessarily translate to greater happiness. Once basic needs are met, further economic growth has a diminishing return on well-being.
Family, Education, and the Myth of Meritocracy
The pursuit of a better life often stems from early influences, including family and education. The "attackism" ideology, promoted by political leaders since the 1980s, suggests that success is solely based on effort. However, reality reveals that wealth and privilege often play a more significant role. Inheritance, business connections, and investments are major sources of wealth for elites.
The pressure on students to succeed is particularly intense in upper-middle-class families, where parents strive to replicate their social standing. Even at prestigious universities, some students engage in "duck syndrome," appearing effortless while working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Workplace Culture and the Demands of Perfection
Workplace culture perpetuates perfectionism through unrealistic expectations. While previous generations valued loyalty, today's companies demand perfect, adaptable employees who work long hours and manage their personal lives flawlessly. High-pressure environments, exemplified by Elon Musk's demand for 80-100 hour work weeks, are becoming increasingly common. Taiwan ranks sixth globally in working hours, highlighting this trend. Western academic systems increasingly use business models, driving teachers to produce more paper, and schools increasingly using students judgements of teachers to force teacher preformance.
The author highlights that free case/gig work is often driven by a pressure to always be productive, even on vacation. This is caused by the individual internalizing capitalism's demand for perfect work.
Resistance to Perfectionism and Systemic Change
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a realization among many that freedom and time were more valuable than low-paying jobs. The "quiet quitting" movement, similar to the "lying flat" movement in Asia, reflects a rejection of overwork and a desire for autonomy.
To combat the toxic culture of perfectionism, the author proposes three key collective measures:
- Stop Pursuing Economic Growth: Prioritize well-being over endless economic expansion.
- Replace GDP Indicators: Measure progress based on happiness, mental health, education, and quality of life.
- Address Unemployment: Share the burden of work by reducing working hours and implementing shorter workweeks.
Some companies have already experimented with three-day weekends, resulting in increased employee happiness and productivity.
Embracing "Good Enough"
Fighting perfectionism requires a shift in mindset. Rather than striving for unattainable ideals, we should embrace a Buddhist attitude of positive acceptance, acknowledging that failure is an inherent part of life. Instead of viewing failure as a personal shortcoming, we should recognize it as a signal of systemic issues. The goal is to create a "good enough" society that prioritizes well-being over relentless productivity and consumption. Collective action is essential to dismantle the toxic structures that perpetuate the trap of perfectionism.
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