Can anything be beautiful without it having a flaw? Put another way, is it the flaws that make something unique, even beautiful? Seen in this light, is there such a thing as a flaw?
You may be familiar with the phrase, “a Persian flaw,” the concept of which has to do with purposely adding a mistake into one’s work to demonstrate humility, that one is not perfect. It comes from ancient Persian rug makers who spent years weaving rugs of magnificent beauty. Deeply religious, they believed only God could be perfect so they weaved a flaw into each of their beautiful rugs.
The concept of purposely weaving a flaw into one’s rug fascinates me. In adding the flaw and by doing it on purpose, is it really a flaw? Superficially, yes, I suppose. The rug, as a rug, has a flaw. But considered more deeply, in adding the flaw on purpose as an expression of humility, the flaw has meaning. It’s an intended part of the rug. In fact, it helps define the rug. It IS the rug. I bet that over the years, it’s the most talked about part of the rug.
I’d go so far as to say that an intended flaw isn’t a flaw at all.
Transfer this now on to humans, specifically onto our bodies, our thoughts, our behaviors. In all three areas we have flaws, right?
Think about it. What don’t we like about ourselves? Can the shape of my nose be flawed? Am I flawed for lacking patience when my 2 year-old won’t get on her shoes and we’re late for her great-grandmother’s memorial service? Am I flawed for getting angry at nearly hitting a pedestrian who stepped in front of my car outside of a crosswalk? What else?
What if these so-called flaws are Persian flaws, existing for a reason? What might this reason be?
Is it to teach me humility, remind me that I’m not perfect and should therefore not expect perfection in others? Is it to provide me something to work on, to grow from, to better myself, knowing I will never be able to “fix” everything? Seen this way, then they are not flaws at all but an important part of who I am.
To consider this concept further, take a look at this short film.
I loved the film. I think we often have strengths that can become “difficult” traits when we interact with other. For example, I have always tried to be “honest,” but being honest without being careful about how I expessed myself to others, meant that I was not liked. I had to learn that honesty, must be delivered with consideration of the other person’s feelings. Now I try to think about how to express a truth in a way that it does not hurt the other person. I am still very proud that I am honest and can be truthful, but I am kinder and nicer when I speak a truth that someone may not want to hear and I believe that people like me better.
Beautiful post and video!
Wonderful start for my day.
Thank you x
I love this post Andy. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. I practice being aware to what is and daily I’m challenged to remember to embrace all of who I am and all of life. Thank you.