Why Idealists and Realists Don’t Have to Be Enemies.

Why We Need Realistic Idealists to Build a Peaceful, Sustainable and Better World

When it comes to solving the world's greatest problems—war, climate change, poverty, and injustice—two common worldviews often collide: idealism and realism.

But too often, these two sides dismiss one another. In truth, we need both—but most of all, we need realistic idealists.

The Problem with Conventional Realism

Many who consider themselves realists avoid setting bold or positive goals—not because they lack compassion, but because they don’t believe real change is possible. They assume, for example, that war is simply part of human nature, or that inequality will always exist. They take the world “as it is” and accept it as the limit of what can be done.

This view of human nature as fixed—as being ssentially selfish or aggressive—has led to resignation. But history tells a different story: people have ended apartheid, torn down walls, won rights for women and minorities, and moved entire societies forward.

As Daisaku Ikeda once said:

“While people may have the capacity for evil, they also possess the capacity for good, for compassion, for courage. Human nature is not fixed—it is shaped and awakened by the values we live by.”

The Challenge for Idealists

Idealists, meanwhile, deeply believe in the power of the human heart and the possibility of change. But they may sometimes lack clear strategies to implement their visions or fail to consider the obstacles to making them real.

The result? Beautiful ideas but sometimes without effective pathways to achieve them or implementing programs with idealistic goals that don't work. Not that of course they couldn't work or don't work all the time but that more work was needed to create programs that really do work.

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Realistic Idealism: A Way Forward

What’s is needed is a new kind of leadership: realistic idealists who believe in human dignity and potential and are committed to finding workable, step-by-step ways to achieve bold goals. They combine vision with strategy. They dream—but with their feet on the ground.

As Martin Luther King Jr. said:

“We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.”

Conclusion

Realists and idealists aren’t enemies and together, they can build a world where peace, justice, and sustainability are not just ideals—but realities.