Idealistic reformers are dangerous because their idealism has no roots in love, but is simply a hysterical and unbalanced rage for order amidst their own chaos.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
It seems to be the fate of idealists to obtain what they have struggled for in a form which destroys their ideals.
Much that passes as idealism is disguised hatred or disguised love of power.
The enemy of idealism is zealotry.
When you have both parties who will not find ways to compromise, who won't meet in the middle, you have paralysis. It's the perversion of idealism.
Idealism is no good. Any concrete dedication to an abstract condition results in unpleasant things like wars.
Just when we most need to be clearheaded, in order to face the hard facts before us, there is all too frequently a very real inclination to give way to dangerous tendencies merely as an escape from realities.
I am an enemy to revolutions. I abhor, both from temper and from the clearest judgment I am able to form, all violent convulsions in the affairs of men.
You see, idealism detached from action is just a dream. But idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It's very real. It's very strong.
A reformer is one who sets forth cheerfully toward sure defeat.
The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.