Some Thoughts on Idealism vs. Realism

I like this blog because it is opinionated and intelligent. I also like the fact that the author grapples with difficult issues that arise in everyday life. The underlying theme of this post is the issue of idealism vs. realism. People have devoted years of study and written many novels on these topics, so nothing I say will be new. But, I would like to point out a couple things that came to mind after reading this post.

I think everyone is an idealist in some way. In the most basic sense, idealism is the essence of our dreams and visions--the things we hope for--which is inherent in us all. This is what I would term internal idealism. External idealism also exists. It manifests itself in our expectations of others (our parents, priests, politicians, etc.), as well as our perceived expectations from others. An example of the latter: I believe that God is a perfect being, just and righteous in all his ways, and the ideal expression of love and truth. My understanding of God's expectations for my life, as expressed in Scripture, provide the standard, or ideal, to which I seek to attain.

On the down side, idealists can set the bar too high for themselves and others. Consequently, idealists are often disappointed when their expectations aren't met. In the extreme, idealism can be dangerous, as is clearly demonstrated by today's Islamo-fascists who are violently intolerant of other cultures and belief systems.

In order to maintain a balanced life, a healthy dose of realism is vital. In its most basic form, realism is concerned with objective facts. From a religious point-of-view, realism assumes that mankind is not inherently benevolent and kind, but self-centred and competitive, which I think is objectively true (although not altogether pleasant). This belief is derived from the doctrine of original sin, which holds that human nature is morally disordered due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve to the revealed will of God. Everybody understands that mankind is not perfect and this belief helps us come to terms with the disappointment that arises when someone or something we idealized falls short of our unrealistic expectation of perfection.

On the down side, realists tend to be of the "I'll-believe-it-when-I-see-it" school of thought. Thus, they have little tolerance for visionaries or people of faith. They generally discount things they don't understand and can become cynical fairly easily. They often exhibit a disposition to disbelieve in the goodness of human motives and a contemptuous feeling of superiority.

The character of God perfectly demonstrates a healthy balance between idealism and realism. God loves justice and encourages us to "be ye perfect" (the ideal); but, because we are (realistically) imperfect, He dispenses grace and mercy. The belief in God and the Judeo-Christian ethic (i.e. Ideal) provides the standard by which we, as individuals and a society, measure and seek to improve ourselves. Realism helps us to cope with disappointment when the ideal isn't achieved because it reminds us that we are a work in process.