"Finality is death. Perfection is finality. Nothing is perfect. There are lumps in it"

James Stephens' quote, "Finality is death. Excellence is finality. Absolutely nothing is perfect. There are lumps in it," encapsulates a profound reflection on the nature of life, excellence, and the human condition. At its core, Stephens recommends that the pursuit of absolute excellence is naturally flawed, as ultimate perfection corresponds to an end state, a cessation, similar to death.

First of all, by specifying "Finality is death," Stephens implies that the only true conclusion, the only absolute final state, is death itself. Life, by contrast, is vibrant, ever-changing, and inherently incomplete. It prospers on movement, development, and change. The connotations of finality indicate a total cessation of possibilities and possible, a state where nothing further can be altered or enhanced, which parallels the irreversible stillness of death.

The assertion "Perfection is finality" follows logically. If finality corresponds to an outright, changeless end, then attaining perfection would, metaphysically, bring one to this same conclusion. In this view, excellence is a static condition, without the opportunity for additional advancement or advancement, suggesting that best states are for that reason lifeless, lacking the imperfections and unpredictability that define living systems.

Lastly, the observation "Nothing is ideal. There are swellings in it" acknowledges the fundamental flaws present in all things. These "swellings" signify the disparities, defects, and abnormalities that pervade our experiences, concepts, and creations. Instead of viewing them as deficiencies, Stephens implies that these imperfections are important components of existence. They imbue life with texture, character, and depth, allowing for richness and variety.

In general, Stephens' quote welcomes readers to welcome imperfection as a natural and needed component of life. It challenges the pursuit of excellence, recommending that it boundaries us to an impossible, lifeless suitable. Rather, he motivates acceptance of life's fundamental messiness and irregularities, acknowledging that these contribute to the vibrancy and vigor of the human experience.