The best is the enemy of the good. — Voltaire · Smartyfair

The best is the enemy of the good.

Voltaire1694–1778 · writer · 1700s FranceVoltaire was a French writer and philosopher famous for his sharp wit and his fierce defense of free speech and religious tolerance.6 quotes

Source foundWisdom1700s

In plain words

Waiting for perfect can spoil the good thing you already have.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 88% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: La Bégueule (1772) — Wikiquote Sourced, 1770s section.
Work: La Bégueule
Occasion: 1772
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Sourced section, La Bégueule (1772)

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