18/09/2026
We’re often told that perfectionism is something to overcome. Gene Kelly might have disagreed.
When criticised for his relentless standards, he liked to ask: “Do you go to the sloppy surgeon?”
Behind the apparent effortlessness of “Singin’ in the Rain” was an artist who believed that making something look easy was no excuse for taking it lightly. His lesson feels surprisingly relevant today: care about what you make. Learn to do it properly. And don’t be embarrassed to try very, very hard.
In our latest article, Kate Purdum speaks to Patricia Ward Kelly about passion, perfectionism, Gen Z, and why Gene Kelly’s philosophy still matters nearly 75 years later.
☔️ Read “Channeling Gene Kelly’s Wisdom: Passion and Perfectionism” — now on TWoA.