Nirvana Fallacy

Also called the Perfect Solution Fallacy

“Even with proper road planning, we won't eliminate traffic, so we shouldn't bother.”

You commit the nirvana fallacy when you reject a realistic option because it isn’t perfect.

It’s a kind of false dilemma: “We either need to implement a perfect solution or do nothing.” Not only does this present an option that may not exist or be attainable (the perfect solution), but it ignores other workable choices that could still help.

The nirvana fallacy often shows up in everyday choices: “Why get the flu shot? You can still get the flu.” True, the flu shot doesn’t make infection impossible, but it lowers your chances and reduces severity if you do get sick.

It’s important to spot this fallacy because insisting on perfection blocks progress. Small improvements make things better even if some problems remain. If we wait for a zero-flaw solution, we typically preserve the flawed status quo.

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