A footnote, so to speak:
Being an idealist doesn’t mean ignoring pragmatic concerns.
Having ideal goals is important, and it may take two, twenty, two hundred, or even two thousand years to get the pendulum swinging back the other way (by which time it might be too late anyway, but what the hell). Revolution is probably impractical if the masses are not ready for it and it doesn’t matter how enlightened any vanguard party is. If the masses are taught, gradually (because that’s typically the only way it can be done), to reflect upon their condition and take action, then the need for immediate revolutions is largely eradicated. (My problem is that right now, things aren’t even going in that direction — they seem to be moving largely toward apathy and the endless cycle of the rat race.)
I’m an idealist, but I’m also a realist. I have my long-term goals and principles in mind but I also acknowledge the lack of fit or feasibility and am routinely ready, willing and able to work within pragmatic parameters to nevertheless try and reach the end goal — which I do not give up sight of, bhale kitnee bhi der lagay.
binish said,
January 8, 2006 @ 12:21 am
I would be ignorant if I don’t acknowledge at some point in my intellecual life I used to shudder at the thought of labeling my self. But so it seems…, I’ve begun to label a few things on to myself too… . Just remember, revoultion needs a cause, thats it. A fire that you just have to be able to market to the masses. On the same note, – its not as simple as that of course [the means to the end can be a fiasco]…. but still too afraid to label my self as in idealist or otherwise… I ideally think anything is possible 🙂 you need passion – passion is an energy that isn’t easily undone. Idealistic passions? Passionate Ideals? Have fun with words! Plus being pragmatic rocks, just as long as you have your eyes on the ‘end’. Wow I’m all over the place.
binish said,
January 8, 2006 @ 12:39 am
reading the few posts below puts things into context, I stand by what I said earlier, let me do some thinking, i’ll come to you if I brain storm some ideas – the whole student tuition sittuation is what I’m refering to [had been thinking about if for a while and commend quebec student mobilization]… cheer up, be idealistic, thats what life is all about, being the change you want to see – maybe that means changings what others see too 🙂
fahad said,
January 8, 2006 @ 1:33 am
Whatever. If you feel like throwing some molotov cocktails, let me know.