Is idealism usually leads to disappointment or trouble? or not?

Question

Please show me examples to convince me.

Answer 1

I would answer YES. Why? Because in idealism, we put high expectation (it is the core of idealism, isn't it?). But reality oftentimes is not as good as we think. The higher we fly, the more painful is the fall.

In some cases, our expectations or interpretations are totally wrong (such as Communism which wants to make all people equal and prosperous, but in fact has made many people suffered from cruel regime, corruption, and poverty). Sometimes our basic assumptions are wrong (e.g.: I can be success without others' help, I have no talent, etc.)

But all of us should grow up. It means we should learn how to accept reality, to cope with stressful situations, to deal with disappointments, and overcome troubles. We should review our thoughts, so that we may know the truth.

Answer 2

There's a certain school of thought which says 'yes' to your question, usually drawing on things like the Soviet Union for evidence. However, this ignores the vast range of good things in our world which were brought about by idealists. Children (at least in some countries) are lucky enough not to be used for slave labour, more people in the world probably have a vote now than ever before, and it is widely excepted in many countries that skin colour, sex or nationality should not divide people into first and second class citizens.

In countries where this is not the case, it's largely because the idealists who say it should be the case have not been victorious.

In answer to the question, like all human activity, idealistic behaviour can have unwanted consequences, but it has brought about real progress in people's lives too - I'm reminded of a quote which says something like 'progress is caused by unreasonable people'!

Answer 3

Idealism is necessary for continued existence. The idealist always has the one thing a fatalist does not, hope. For an idealist, no matter how bad a situation gets they can see that there may be a turning point just over the horizon. this hope in a change for the better from their negative situation gives them a reason to continue, to persevere. The fatalist sees no possible change for the better on the horizon when in a bad situation. If there is no change for the better to be seen, no possible way to relieve their suffering caused by the negative situation they find themselves in, what motivation do they have to try and make that bad situation better. The feeling that one has no ability to change the circumstances of their situation is helplessness, a disabling feeling. Idealism is hopefulness, an enabling feeling.

Answer 4

It does. But that's the glory of idealism. Idealism is youth and growth, and growth doesn't happen without a certain amount of discomfort and/or pain.

Example: You fall in love, again and again, you hurt, you cry... you go from moments of ecstasy to believing the world is ending when your heart breaks. And yet you learn more about yourself than any "balanced" individual because you allow yourself to feel these things more intensely than others.

Idealism (at least to me) means keeping your heart raw and sensitive. That means you get hurt more often, but that ALSO means that sensitivity lets you feel the most subtle hues of love and pain. Don't let the scab of cynicism grow over your heart. Yes, it'll protect you... but I think in the end you'll miss the highs and lows of keeping your ideals.

Answer 5

Idealist himself suffers and sacrifises a lot. But the entire society benefits.
Jesus suffered and died on cross .We are all saved and live forever.