Nirvana Fallacy

What is the perfection or nirvana fallacy, and how can we apply it? It is when we argue that a solution should be rejected because the problem is only partially solved with it. It advocates completely perfect solutions over imperfect solutions.

We fall for this because we believe that a perfect solution exists. We fail to grasp that perfection is a journey, not a destination.

In pursuit of perfection, we failed to ship, thinking that the product was not ready and had much to improve.

Other problems with the Nirvana fallacy:

• Flawed decision-making with real-life consequences. Example: Since the mask cannot fully protect us, wearing a mask is useless. What we miss: Masks offer partial protection. Some protection > None.

• Applied to a product: The product is not ready for the market since it does not completely solve the problem. Instead, take the product to market, listen to feedback and iterate.

How to overcome the nirvana fallacy:

• Don't try to be perfect. Try to be better through iteration.

• Ship regularly by setting intermediate deadlines.

• Reflect on actual progress and not on the mirage of perfection.

When finding a solution to a problem, there are times when it makes sense to demand a certain level of quality and effectiveness. But if you reject an effective solution because it isn’t perfect, you are committing the nirvana fallacy.