Meaning: The quote "Not a having and a resting, but a growing and becoming, is the character of perfection as culture conceives it" is attributed to the English poet and cultural critic Matthew Arnold. This thought-provoking statement encapsulates Arnold's view of perfection and its relationship to cultural development and personal growth.

Matthew Arnold was a prominent figure in 19th-century English literature and a leading proponent of the idea of "culture" as a means of achieving personal and societal improvement. In his writings, Arnold emphasized the importance of cultivating the mind and spirit through exposure to the best that has been thought and said in the world. He believed that this process of cultural enrichment was essential for achieving a higher state of perfection, both individually and collectively.

The quote reflects Arnold's belief that true perfection is not static or unchanging, but rather dynamic and evolving. It suggests that perfection should not be equated with mere possession or attainment, but with a continual process of growth and development. In this sense, perfection is not a fixed state to be reached and maintained, but a continuous journey of improvement and transformation.

Arnold's concept of perfection as "growing and becoming" aligns with his broader views on culture as a form of intellectual and spiritual nourishment. He saw culture as a force that could elevate individuals and society by fostering a deeper understanding of the world and a refinement of one's faculties. Through exposure to great works of art, literature, and ideas, Arnold believed that individuals could expand their intellectual horizons and refine their moral sensibilities, thus advancing towards a more perfect state.

The phrase "as culture conceives it" in the quote is particularly significant, as it underscores the idea that perceptions of perfection are shaped by cultural values and ideals. Arnold recognized that different cultures and historical periods have their own conceptions of what constitutes perfection, and these conceptions are subject to change and evolution over time. Therefore, the pursuit of perfection is inherently tied to the cultural context in which it occurs, and it is influenced by the prevailing norms, beliefs, and aspirations of a given society.

In essence, Arnold's quote challenges the notion of perfection as a static, unattainable ideal and instead presents it as a process of continual growth and evolution. It emphasizes the active, ongoing nature of perfection, suggesting that it is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to be embraced. This perspective aligns with Arnold's broader vision of culture as a means of enriching and ennobling the human spirit, and it invites us to consider perfection as a dynamic and ever-changing aspiration.

In conclusion, Matthew Arnold's quote encapsulates his belief in the dynamic nature of perfection and its relationship to cultural development. It invites us to rethink our understanding of perfection as a fixed state and instead embrace the idea of continual growth and becoming. Arnold's perspective challenges us to consider the role of culture in shaping our ideals of perfection and encourages us to view perfection as a process of ongoing transformation and refinement.