Practice makes perfect

Definition

Regular repetition and exercise of a skill leads to mastery and flawless performance.

Etymology

This proverb traces back to the 1550s, appearing in various forms across cultures for centuries. The Latin version 'usus promptos facit' (practice makes perfect) was known to medieval scholars, while the English form was popularized through educational texts and moral instruction books.

Kelly Says

Modern research suggests the phrase should really be 'perfect practice makes perfect' - simply repeating something incorrectly won't lead to mastery! The famous '10,000-hour rule' popularized by Malcolm Gladwell is essentially a modern interpretation of this ancient wisdom, though the actual number varies greatly by skill.

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