Explain this proverb?

Question

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.?

Answer 1

It's better to have high standards and occassionally fall short, then it is to have low standards and always succeed in living by them. It is a good defence against the charge of hypocrisy for those who aspire to the highest values. I agree with it.

Answer 2

It is similar to a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.

Answer 3

blurey is right. a perfect pebble is still just a pebble. but a diamond stays a diamond - even if it has a flaw.

Answer 4

A diamond is always more valuable then a pebble, even if it has flaws.

Answer 5

a bird at hand is worth million in the bush, this proverb is simply admornishing that it is better to  value the little thing you have, than to live in wishfull thinking.

Answer 6

It means that flawlessness is of no value if it is applied to something inherently worthless.  A worthless object in good condition is still worthless, and a meaningless task performed well is still meaningless.  It's better to have something valuable but damaged, or to do something important even if you make a mistake or two while you're doing it.

Answer 7

a pebble without a flaw is just a pebble, a diamond with a flaw is still a diamond. so it is better to be an inperfect diamond than a perfect pebble.-blurey

i always call my partner "a diamond in the rough"

Answer 8

“Certain flaws are necessary for the whole. It would seem strange if old friends lacked certain quirks.” ~~Goethe

Though certain character deficiencies are inexcusable, for the most part people can and should be treasured just the way they are; if I teach myself and my family nothing more than this, it is that it is in the strive for excellent that we become perfect—not only in success or the win.

The difference between perfection and personal failure is based upon the kindnesses we show and the good things we bring forward from ourselves to the world. The reward of living a perfect life is achieving our greatest goals of acting always with the highest and best of intentions to the utmost of our abilities, consistently.

Where we are flawed or could improve should be recognized, of course, elsewise the pursuit of excellence could not exist. Never the less, we should still be willing to consciously love ourselves (including our shortcomings) unconditionally. In doing so, we are gifted the opportunity to develop perfect-and unique-character without ever falling into the trap of trying to always be “perfect” (for ourselves or others).

I’ll take my life as a diamond in the rough. My imperfections as well as all my bright, strong shiny places seem to (happily) make me, me. Sticks and stones may be the chosen forms of style for cowards and bullies—but I prefer to make myself as jewelry.

Answer 9

rich and s****., rather then poor and good hearted

Answer 10

Even though the diamond is not physically perfect, it is still valuable, whereas a pebble may be physically perfect, but still worthless.  It could refer to a person's looks or personality.  It's the type of thing your mother might say about a potential boy/girlfriend with a great personality, but average looks.