I love a good Ideal as much as the next guy or gal. Ideals are a way of imagining a better future. They are the goals toward which we strive.
Facts on the other hand are often troubling. They do not respect our personality, or intentions. Very often they are problems to be overcome. They also represent the reality without which we could not survive.
The quote (I'm unsure of the source) I use for my signature applies to situations where the two are opposed. If you want to overcome facts that are against you first you must see their reality. If you like your ideal better than the facts you are more likely part of the problem, not the solution. Some people take this as far as to deny facts even when they are faced with them.
Careful study of the facts is best accomplished when you are not hostile to them. That careful study is the best way to solve any problem. Some people whose opinion I respect more than my own have even said that if you love the truth nothing is impossible.
I could go into examples, but I think that is best left for discussion.
You're completely right.