Idealist or Realist...
So, I've taken the plunge and started my application to Royal Roads University - whether I'm applying to the Masters or BA program has yet to be determined...but either way, I'm on my way and grateful for whichever opportunity they choose to offer me (hopefully!).
I have to write. A paper. About myself.
Okay, now that that's out in the open, it got me to thinking...a few people I consulted about myself (is that weird?) mentioned that I'm an idealist. Which not only suprised me, but also suprised me to realize that I really have no idea what an idealist is - well I do, but if you asked me to define it I'd be stumped - wikipedia was no help http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idealism and just made me feel dumb for not having even the slightest familiarity with philosophy. Reading the write up on realism didn't help either. Take me to the dictionary interwebs:
–noun
1. a person who cherishes or pursues high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.
2. a visionary or impractical person.
3. a person who represents things as they might or should be rather than as they are.
4. a writer or artist who treats subjects imaginatively.
5. a person who accepts the doctrines of idealism
Oh sweet dictionary, you are my dearest friend....1, 3, 4, 5 all seem highly accurate - however, 2 offends me: A visionary or impractical person? Aren't visionaries the people who dream up the future in a way that makes it more practical, more ideal and just plain better? Isn't that somewhat contradictory...
Realists on the other hand are simpler beasts, which is only fitting, considering they are realists after all:
–noun
1. a person who tends to view or represent things as they really are.
2. an artist or a writer whose work is characterized by realism.
(ps I hate dictionary definitions that use the word in question...sort of defeats the purpose)
So the only question I have is:
How is this determined, what makes me an idealist and the poor guy next to me who sees only the grafitti on the wall that needs to be painted over a realist rather than an idealist experiencing the joy and sorrow of the one who painted it - life expressed through art.
Which are you? And why am I? Bigger question - isn't there a little of both in all of us?
I have to write. A paper. About myself.
Okay, now that that's out in the open, it got me to thinking...a few people I consulted about myself (is that weird?) mentioned that I'm an idealist. Which not only suprised me, but also suprised me to realize that I really have no idea what an idealist is - well I do, but if you asked me to define it I'd be stumped - wikipedia was no help http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idealism and just made me feel dumb for not having even the slightest familiarity with philosophy. Reading the write up on realism didn't help either. Take me to the dictionary interwebs:
–noun
1. a person who cherishes or pursues high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.
2. a visionary or impractical person.
3. a person who represents things as they might or should be rather than as they are.
4. a writer or artist who treats subjects imaginatively.
5. a person who accepts the doctrines of idealism
Oh sweet dictionary, you are my dearest friend....1, 3, 4, 5 all seem highly accurate - however, 2 offends me: A visionary or impractical person? Aren't visionaries the people who dream up the future in a way that makes it more practical, more ideal and just plain better? Isn't that somewhat contradictory...
Realists on the other hand are simpler beasts, which is only fitting, considering they are realists after all:
–noun
1. a person who tends to view or represent things as they really are.
2. an artist or a writer whose work is characterized by realism.
(ps I hate dictionary definitions that use the word in question...sort of defeats the purpose)
So the only question I have is:
How is this determined, what makes me an idealist and the poor guy next to me who sees only the grafitti on the wall that needs to be painted over a realist rather than an idealist experiencing the joy and sorrow of the one who painted it - life expressed through art.
Which are you? And why am I? Bigger question - isn't there a little of both in all of us?
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