Description
Idealism is having a vision of what is possible and wanting to make a difference. It is caring passionately about what is meaningful in life. Idealist see things as they could be and have faith in the power of change. We put our principles into practice. We don’t accept the way things are. We dare to have big dreams and then act as if they were possible. Idealism doesn’t mean that we are idle dreamers. Idle dreamers just wish things were better. Idealist do something to make things better. We make the ideal real.
Quote
“You see things and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and I say. ‘Why not?’”
— George Bernard Shaw
The Practice of Idealism
- I have a dream.
- I have a plan.
- I have faith in the highest possible outcome.
- I walk my talk.
- I persevere.
- I make a difference.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.
In Family Life
In a family, idealism shines through when its members collectively embrace a vision of what is possible and actively seek to make a difference in each other’s lives. It is demonstrated by caring passionately about what is truly meaningful within the family unit—nurturing love, respect, and understanding.
Idealism in a family means not settling for the status quo but instead having faith in the power of change and actively working to improve relationships and the overall family dynamic. It’s about having big dreams for the family’s future and taking concrete steps to make those dreams a reality.
In essence, idealism within a family means putting principles into practice, creating an environment where family members don’t merely wish for better connections but actively engage in acts of kindness, patience, and selflessness to make those ideals a tangible and cherished part of their daily lives.