The …. “BEST?” Really?

“The best band in the world is…” I’m not going to name one, to avoid sidetracking into debates about specific bands. The real topic here is the use of the word “best.” Is art, and creativity a competition? I never knew it was.

How do people objectively determine what the “best” is, especially for others?  We’ve all heard it: “The best thing you can do is…” Cue the eye-roll or the confusion: “I didn’t know what I needed, but apparently, you do.”

Over time, I’ve learned to dismiss these banal superlatives. Still, when they come up, I often ask: “For whom?” If met with blank stares, I elaborate: “You said this is the best, but for whom? Everyone? Just me? Most of the world? Or is it simply the best for you?”

Using “best” isn’t the worst linguistic offense, but it’s a dull conversation stopper. Maybe try, “A band I really like is…” Again, I won’t name one here to keep us on track, but if you really, really, want to discuss favorite bands, go for it! Fill up my comments-section!

Now, if you want “the best” type of chaos, ask a room of petrolheads (or battery-heads) which car is “the best ever made.” You’ll get as many answers as there are people in the room. Reframe the question to something like, “What’s a car you find appealing, and why?” and watch the discussion shift from divisive to creative. The emphasis on“why” brings out more thought than rattling off a list of “the best.”

Sure, sometimes “the best” can be measured objectively: performance stats, universal metrics. But even then, second, third, or fourth place might resonate more with individual preferences.

Looking back at my own achievements, I’m tempted to say, “It was the best I could do.” But instead, I remind myself: “It’s what I managed with the resources, skills, and knowledge I had at the time.”

May I never reach my “best.” How boring would life be if there were nothing left to aspire to, tomorrow, or even a minute from now?

Laters!
Love, Matt
2024 12 27

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This post is not meant to be an exhaustive discussion about superlatives. This is about opening up a discussion – Thinking, sharing, and indulging in a bit of philosophy. What is your take on misinformation, and exploring other stuff that you reckon might make things easier for your reality? Send me a summary of your story, and maybe I could comment on your example of how we navigate through life, by doing the best we can to make it meaningful, joyful, and nourishing for ourselves.