Should the phrase "Practice makes perfect" be changed to "Perfect practice makes perfect"?

Question

http://www.skepdic.com/refuge/ctlessons.html

Answer 1

No real need for replacing the original, though it is *perfectly* fine to supplement it. You see, your version (which I've heard from oh, so many choir directors over the years!) is making a slightly different point. BOTH ideas are legitimate.

"Practice makes perfect" is making a very basic point about the NEED for practice and that you will NEVER perfect something unless you practice it. "Perfect practice. . . " is making a separate point about how you go about that practicing.

In fact, the 'new version' is arguably MORE effective precisely because people are familiar with the first. Eliminate the original and your point is not as sharply drawn.

Also, take note of why the original is a more effective (more perfect!) proverb.

The three-word sentence "Practice makes perfect" is "catchier" --that is, more memorable-- by its directness, brevity and use of sound-patterning (both the easy rhythm and the use of alliteration). Sound and simplicity are common devices in crafting effective proverbs, slogans, etc. that endure.

Compare the following:

"The effectiveness of a proverb lies largely in its brevity and directness. The syntax is simple, the images vivid, and the allusions domestic, and thus easy to understand. Memorability is aided through the use of alliteration, rhythm, and rhyme."
http://makal.host.net.kg/eng.htm

and this encyclopedia entry for "proverb":

"short statement of wisdom or advice that has passed into general use. More homely than aphorisms, proverbs generally refer to common experience and are often expressed in metaphor, alliteration, or rhyme, e.g., “'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' 'When the cat's away, the mice will play.' "
http://www.answers.com/topic/proverb

I'd add:
"A stitch in TIME, saves NINE."
"H-ASTE makes wASTE."
"SPare the rod, SPoil the child."


In the last case, note that the two halves are also parallel in construction and rhythm. The sort of 'balancing' is common in proverbs... as in "Practice makes perfect".

Answer 2

I agree with you, but it will probably be left alone because it has already been here for many years, so it is ingrained into us. But it is very true that if you pratice something enough that is wrong, it is SO much harder to change later on! For example, I still have trouble with one of the sounds of chinese in certain words, b/c I praticed it wrong. I am always getting corrected on it, and try my best not to say it wrong, but when I am not paying attention, if comes out the way I praticed it, WRONG!

Answer 3

Hello, how can you? If the practise is already perfect, what do you need it for? Perfect is what you need and if all your practises are perfect, what's the use of practising, you'll just be wasting your own time!

Answer 4

yeah, cause if you practice the wrong stuff then you will just have it down perfectly, but wrong. i hate it when i practice incorrectly (wrong note, or whatever) and i dont notice. i usually notice right before i have to perform and it freaks me out, throws off how to stick everything and its a mess. (i play percussion (aka drums, xylophone, etc.))

Answer 5

no, cause then i'd get discouraged in my guitar practice.

i look towards the day that the cacophany will actually sort itself out.