The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection on Two Wheels and Off

The Jewish High Holidays may have passed, but for some of us, the guilt still lingers. This is not just post-Yom Kippur introspection; it’s a deeper-seated issue: moral scrupulosity. This phenomenon occurs when our desire to do good becomes an all-consuming force that paralyzes us into inaction.

For motorcyclists, this problem may seem far removed from the open road. But the same principles apply – and sometimes with disastrous consequences. We’ve seen riders who obsess over every detail of their bike’s maintenance, overthinking every decision until they can’t even get on the road.

The article that inspired this piece described a similar scenario in human behavior rather than motorcycling. The writer was encouraged to adopt a more nuanced approach: one that recognizes the inherent imperfections of being human. Rather than striving for an unattainable ideal, we should aim to live in line with our values as best we can.

Motorcyclists often find themselves torn between the pursuit of perfection and the need for practicality on the road. Whether it’s agonizing over every detail of bike setup or worrying about whether one has done enough to stay safe, the pressure to optimize can be overwhelming.

But what if this relentless pursuit of perfection is not only unhelpful but also counterproductive? When we’re so focused on doing everything just right, we forget that mistakes are an inherent part of the learning process. We forget that even experienced riders will occasionally make a misjudgment or misstep.

The Myth of Optimization

The article touched on the idea that moral optimization may be possible for angels but not for humans. This is a crucial distinction that motorcyclists would do well to remember. When we’re riding, we’re not omniscient beings who can know with certainty how best to navigate every situation. We’re human animals, prone to mistakes and influenced by complex factors.

We often try to be something more – or at least, pretend to be. We adopt the language of optimization, speaking in terms of “maximizing” this or “minimizing” that, as if we can quantify the risks and rewards of every decision. But this approach is flawed from the start.

The Limits of Human Knowledge

The article highlighted a thought experiment involving a woman who must choose between becoming a nun and having children. This is a classic example of a moral dilemma where different values come into conflict, making it impossible to find a “best” solution. We can’t compare these options using an abstract yardstick; we’re forced to make a choice based on our own imperfect understanding of the situation.

This is precisely what happens when we ride – and not just with regards to safety gear or bike setup. Every decision we make, every risk we take, involves trade-offs and compromises that can’t be reduced to simple mathematical equations. We must navigate this complexity using our best judgment, rather than trying to optimize our way through it.

The Beauty of Imperfection

So what’s the alternative? Rather than striving for an unattainable ideal, motorcyclists should focus on living in line with their values as best they can. This means acknowledging that mistakes will happen – and that’s okay. It means recognizing that even when we fall short, we shouldn’t berate ourselves or try to “sin” our way back into some mythical state of moral perfection.

This approach is not about abandoning all sense of responsibility; it’s about adopting a more realistic attitude towards the challenges we face on two wheels and off. When we accept our imperfections and vulnerabilities, we can begin to truly appreciate the beauty of the ride – and ourselves as riders.

The Road Ahead

As motorcyclists, we’re constantly reminded that our sport is not just about speed or skill; it’s about attitude and mindset. It’s about embracing the uncertainty of the road and finding joy in the journey, rather than just trying to optimize every detail along the way.

Let’s adopt a more humble approach to motorcycling – one that recognizes our imperfections and vulnerabilities as an inherent part of the experience. When we do, we might just find that the road ahead is less daunting, and the ride itself is all the more enjoyable for it.

And when we inevitably fall short – which we will, because that’s what makes us human – let’s not beat ourselves up over it. Let’s instead draw on the wisdom of the rabbis: that even when we miss the mark, we can still learn to use our capabilities in more beautiful ways.