Thought of the Day: On pragmatism and idealism

If pragmatism can be adequately summarized as “doing what works”, then rejecting it, by definition, leaves you with naught but hopes and dreams – the equivalent to a frustrated teenager railing against an unjust world without knowing what to do about it. If you dismiss the very approach that actually garners results, then what do you have left but empty fists?

Pragmatism and idealism go hand-in-hand, the inspirational leader to the blue-collar worker. Pragmatism without idealism to guide it is hopeless; idealism without pragmatism to work for it is useless. Any party that rejects either one is doomed to impotence.

(Inspired by Maryam Namazie, who is still generally awesome.)

Tags: Maryam Namazie • pragmatism • idealism