What’s so wrong with being an idealist? Since it is rare, if not impossible for a person to be truly idealistic in nature, why are those persons labeled “idealists” given a negative connotation? To be practical, yet accurate, idealism is “based on the root word "Ideal," meaning a perfect form of, and is most accurately described as a belief in perfect forms of virtue, truth, and the absolute.” Ever since I was young I have been told that I am “too idealistic!” My question is what exactly constitutes being “too idealistic?” Does this statement indicate that I should be lacing up the stray jacket and shipping my ass off to Jones Hill mental asylum? Or does it mean that there is no hope, mankind is destined for chaos and we better accept that reality? I believe the latter paints the portrait quite well. Yet, I have realized that those who scold me aren’t trying to offend me, but to prevent me from making choices based on “false” preconceptions. I empathize with their concern, but passionately disagree with the basic premise of their argument. In contrast, I like to take in account the existentialist’s perspective. Although I disagree with many pieces of Sartre’s arguments, I agree with the most fundamental principle of existentialism, “I think, therefore I am.” This statement illustrates that man is responsible for his existence. “He/she is nothing else but what he makes of himself.” More specifically, we have the freedom of choice. We choose what we believe, what we think, what we speak, how we respond, and how we act. Therefore, the choices we make not only determines our biography in the book of existence, but also the biography of every other human being. Our choices have a direct or indirect effect on mankind as a whole. Our choices are representative (hard to internalize with traditional western thought). I believe that this correlates positively with idealism because it is the idealists’ who acknowledge our free gift of choice. We choose to believe we can make a difference. We choose to believe that mankind has the potential of achieving peace and harmony. We choose to be relentless in the search for Truth, Justice and Love. And through these idealistic choices marvelous works have been committed; civil rights, peace treaties, technology, education, marriage. If we can come to accept that our attitudes and actions dictates the way we experience the world then maybe we can transform our idealism into realism. Sorry grandpa, but this flame will never burn out.
In Peace and Hope that we can Help this World Become a Better Place
In Peace and Hope that we can Help this World Become a Better Place
They're just jealous :)
And people critisized every single person who thought they could do something that would change the world--and look! we have computers, rockets, cars, the telephone, internet, planes, etc. etc. Without idealism we would still be living in the Dark Ages.
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"Only two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity"
-Albert Einstein
Being idealistic has positive and negative aspects. I always try to look at the bright side of things. But always being idealistic can sometimes be like being naive. An idealist may try to find the good in everyone and try to trust everyone, but in today's society people just can't do that. You need to also be a little realistic because hoping for idealistic things to come true may not accomplish everything. For example, just wanting world peace. Although I'd like to hope so, I just don't think it's possible in human nature to ever be completely at peace. I think there will always be racism, so even if there are no more wars, there will still be unrest due to things like this. Being idealistic is good up to an extent. When it leads to naivete or ignorance, then it's gone too far.