Creative people have been chasing perfection since the first painters daubed pictures on cave walls. But is it even possible to reach it? And if not -- why do we bother?

Plus: Humidity, ducks, grammar, double espressos, Coffman starters, Run-DMC, LaJethro Jenkins, rhombuses, Paterson NJ, a mug's game, Robert Towne, candy cigars, Previously on America, and Born To Run. Also: Never follow a juggler.