A Perfect Mess is a book by Eric Abrahamson and David Freedman that explores the hidden benefits of disorder. The book is a short and easy read that recaps the concept of balance when it comes to mess. Although no deep studies or revolutionary ideas were revealed, the book does confront the concept of "mess" in culture and its implications on our psyche. People who are uncomfortable with their mess will find solace in the book's message and perhaps perfection in their own mess.
- There is an optimal amount of mess.
- Tidiness can be expensive.
- One person's order is another person's mess. You can never please everyone with order. For example, you can organize books alphabetically, chronologically, by genre, or by color of the covers. All are valid depending on your perspective and intended function.
- Mess can apply to both home and work, physical space and processes. From a messy kitchen and desk, to corporate strategies and sales plans. In each of these areas, there is a functional and optimal amount of mess.
- "Plan early, plan twice."
