What is so wrong about being idealistic?

Answer 1

WordNet has two definitions of "idealistic" that are relevant to your question:

1: impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are

2: elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued

If you're talking about (2), there's nothing wrong with it; it means you have a moral center and a sense of purpose, and are likely to be both happy and productive. But if you mean (1), then idealism is a vice because it blinds one to the truth. In a sense, the two definitions are opposites; the first encourages a passive submergence in an unreal world, while the second prompts one to positive action.

Answer 2

there's nothing wrong with being idealistic at all. you just have to be able to see the real world while being idealistc.

as a kid everyone's idealistic, but they don't realize what is possible and what is not. as kids grow up they are forced into thinking realistically by erasing their idealistic side. But the people that ever lives a life that matters are the ones who could see what could be and what is.

Answer 3

What is so wrong?! You get in serious **** of depression. I, myself is an idealist and it is suffering.I'm not discouraging to dream but being an idealist is a different thing.

I want to end unnecessary suffering in this world. You may say it's impossible but nothing is impossible to me. Just the possibility is billionly small.

All this came to me when i start involving myself in Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and i see the painful truth.

Personally, there's no right or wrong being an idealistic but it's the way how you handle the consequences, obstacles,and disappointments.Now, i'm trying the spiritual way to ease my emotional pain.

You need good friends to share your idealism, so that you'll know you are not alone. I'm not influencing to join me but share and maybe help you in this way. In the end, the decision is up to you.

Peace.

Answer 4

We are all idealistic. In other words, there is a picture of perfection in all our minds as to how things are supposed to be. Our truth, though, is that not everyone shares our idealistic vision. Everyone has their own unique spin on things. So, to truly be idealistic and also be a "winner" is to understand this, appreciate this, and be open to alternative views. Being open does not necessarily mean you agree with another's philosophy, just that you listen and have tolerance towards another viewpoint.

Answer 5

Nothing is wrong with being idealistic if you mean high ideals. It is these ideals which help raise humanity to a higher level. Without high ideals humanity falls further into an inhuman abyss.

Perhaps you might call it a sort of hope, as well. And, hope is everything.

But, don't confuse this with things like being unrealistic. I mean, don't stay in an abusive relationship because you imagine that ideally this person could or should improve or be better.

Answer 6

Being "Idealistic" ONLY means you are incomplete.

Coming up with great Ideas is wonderful, but totally useless if they are of no use or benefit to the existing society.

When great ideas are tested in the real world (not hypothetically) and proved to be useful, value adding and beneficial, they change from being "Idealistic" into being "Realistic".

The world does not survive on Idealism alone. Idealism is the foundation stone for reaching Realism.

Answer 7

Nothing at all.

I used to be very idealistic. I am now bitter and cynical and think that idealists aren't realistic. But there's nothing wrong with that.

And sometimes, it really is the idealists who finally change the world.

Answer 8

People who are truly idealistic tend to invent wondrous scenarios for practically everything that's going to happen for or to them. And then, once the event comes to pass, it's never quite as grand and rewarding as they'd envisioned. Idealists suffer a lot of disappointment, which, unless they're very careful, leaves them disillusioned, leaves them bitter and cynical. Idealism is dreams run rampant. It supersedes reality, and leads wounds that are slow to heal.

Answer 9

Nothing, so long as your accepting of the world because those who are idealistic are also sometimes the ones who are most disapointed. But also the ones who improve the world most.

Answer 10

Being idealistic isn't wrong. It's just that if your views are *limited* to being idealistic, then it is as wrong as someone whose views are limited to being pessimistic.

Life tends to undermine monopolies of thought.

Xan Shui,
Philosophic Philanthropist, Honest Man