Is it better to be idealistic or pragmatic?
On the one hand, realism gets things done. Nothing can move forward, and no real change can happen, without connecting the dots between ideas and how to manifest them in the world. A foundational skill set grounded in reality is required by anyone hoping to implement ideas of any size, let alone the lofty ideas expressed by the most idealistic among us. Pragmatism is a virtue in this regard, ensuring ideas progress forward towards some attainable goal.
But it seems those who have the greatest impact are more idealistic than not. Practical thinking is not typically associated with the work required to change entrenched institutions and make a dent in the world. Dreaming big requires intense optimism, which is a trait shared by successful entrepreneurs, civil rights leaders, artists, and anyone who has made an impact at scale. These folks see the world in two states – the way things are, and the way things should be. While pragmatists are content to work within the constraints of the former, those who sway more towards idealism dedicate their lives to achieving a state that is in some way better than the present.
That’s not to say this is a binary issue. On the spectrum from pragmatism to idealism, the “optimal” mindset for success, impact, and happiness probably lies somewhere in the middle. We need a strong set of ideals to guide our journey forward, complemented by a healthy dose of reality to tell us which turns to take along the way.
Pragmatism is valuable, but so is a sense of True North.
This realization begs the question—While both traits are necessary, is either more valuable than the other? Are pragmatists more likely to lead a fulfilling and impactful life? Or are those with strong ideals more likely to achieve this state?
I’m not sure there’s a “correct” answer, but it seems the most accomplished people tend to be dreamers who can get things done, with a tendency to sway more towards idealism than pragmatism as a baseline state of mind. They have lofty goals and push boundaries, but know how to incrementally get things done to move closer to the ideal states they have envisioned.
As someone with strong ideals, I’ll stand by this school of thought.