That's a very true quote by Poe. It's the first time I read it.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
We can reflect and change, but perfection was not programed in us. The moment we reach perfect the bar is lifted up a notch. It's an ironic paradox because each of us are perfect in our place.
Perfectly imperfect, is what I say usually.
I stopped chasing perfection many years ago when I began to understand that continuous improvement delivered better, more frequent and sustainable results.