Does every plan must have a flaw?

Question

We had this class project to do and we has all devised a plan of action. We had made sure that nothing goes wrong. However, I kept thinking of this saying my grandfather used to say:

"No matter how elaborate nor simple, tatical or straightforward the plan is, there is no such thing as a flawless plan."

Needless to say, I still don't get it.

Do you understand the saying? If you do, please help me understand.

Answer 1

The flaw in the plan is the unexpected circumstance or....external variable....

I planned to make a square box out of a piece of plywood....a very simple project and I needed it first thing in the morning.  I figured it would take 2 hours to do.  As I cut the third piece, the motor of my saw burned out.  No stores were open late at night and my early morning project was delayed....The plan was intact, but the unexpected occurred....

Answer 2

Your grandfather is discussing probabilities.  One can try to mitigate the probability of anything going wrong, but inevitably there is a 'CHANCE' of something going wrong. Thats why there is no flawless plan.

Answer 3

Nobody's perfect so no matter what we do, it can always be done better -- if only we were perfect.

Answer 4

Humans are imperfect.  Therefore, no matter how wonderful anything we do, it is also imperfect.  Nevertheless, just because a plan has a minor flaw, it doesn't mean it is useless.  When you cure someone, you lose valuable medicine and money.  That in itself is a worthwhile flaw.