Thought: Idealism and age.
polycounter lvl 18
Do you all believe its natural that idealism is lost as one gets older? Or alternatively that its easier to loose or excuse it in the face of societal obstuctions?
I keep thinking of all those people that say that loosing idealism amd becoming more centric and conservative is a natural part of learning how the world is(IE powerless individual). Yet, in a brief example. Someone like Jimmy Carter (outside how you feel he was as president), still is active in trying to make a difference in his late years.
Is this a fork we all must choose in life? When we make this choice, do we recognize those that choose not to give up on their ideals? From what I have encountered, those that overly compromised, have a harder time recognizing peers that haven't. This denial seems to increase exponentially the more one has "accepted" a status quo.
This is of course IMOHO. So what is your experiences and thoughts in this?
I keep thinking of all those people that say that loosing idealism amd becoming more centric and conservative is a natural part of learning how the world is(IE powerless individual). Yet, in a brief example. Someone like Jimmy Carter (outside how you feel he was as president), still is active in trying to make a difference in his late years.
Is this a fork we all must choose in life? When we make this choice, do we recognize those that choose not to give up on their ideals? From what I have encountered, those that overly compromised, have a harder time recognizing peers that haven't. This denial seems to increase exponentially the more one has "accepted" a status quo.
This is of course IMOHO. So what is your experiences and thoughts in this?
Replies
I don't think it has to do with your gaining knowledge about "how the world is (IE powerless individual)". More to do with need for stability and security which often reflects in the change of your (political) opinions and ideas.
Besides that when you get older you (hopefully) become more wise and might see that the ideals that you had when you were lets say 20 aren't really practical or feasible in real life
Am I misunderstanding your meaning? If not, could I question. Is that what we want to believe for that loss? (For those that have lost it)
But then in My case, I never was "Idealistic" and was always practical, and then Conservative.
Scott
But then in My case, I never was "Idealistic" and was always practical, and then Conservative.
Scott
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ditto. never went through that utopian, idyllic stage myself.
and Scott, I don't personally believe there are two steps between Asner and Communist.
Although, I really wouldn't consider myself to be "idealistic" either.
It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it
I accept your appointment as I feel that I am the best man for the job. Ask not what your country can do for you...
(Please note idealism works from the right also - How do you explain all the ex Randites?).
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<Monk> I think you have idealism and optimism/naivity mixed up.
<Monk> People become more cynical with age because they become less optimistic and less naive, I believe.
<Monk> You can be idealisty your entire life but few people will KNOW if you are unless you have the public eye or really work at it.
<Monk> And those people are the ones like Carter who work for peace or even Castro who stuck with his ideals and now has a country with something like a 99% literacy rate.
<Monk> You could even say that Hitler was idealistic and followed his ideals to the bitter end.
<Monk> It's the loss of optimism that I see leading towards cynicism. You can be idealistic but also cynical and pessimistic.
<Monk> i.e. you've worked at trying to change the world and still WANT to but perhaps you've seen how "the system" works and no longer have as many viable avenues to try--though you do what you can.
<Monk> My thoughts, at least.
<Monk> I'm too lazy to log in the forms.
<Monk> And the forums, too.
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Also great idea of my reference at bottom of this page(the poem by Ken Nordine) http://www.pipeline.com/~dada3zen/HOW.htm
yea Duke, but you're what I consider to be a RICO (Republican in Name Only)
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Hehehe... Hey, Duke, is there still an opening for Chairman of the Misspelled Acronyms Committee? (sorry, AZ!
I don't believe you're idealistic when you're young, I believe you are competitive when you're young. I believe when you're young you are always trying to out do one another, and smit victory in your competitiion....hence, a'hole.
I'm not certain being young equates to idealistic?
Idealistic usually equates to equality fairness patience and consideration....and those were traits that were sorely lacking in the people I grew up around.
Those are traits I seek, therefore I become more idealistic as I get older.
I am with Scott R. on Carter though, he is really a humanitarian doing great things, but he should never have been a President.
The only thing about Ed is I hope I don't grow that much hair on my back too!
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yea Duke, but you're what I consider to be a RICO (Republican in Name Only)
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Hehehe... Hey, Duke, is there still an opening for Chairman of the Misspelled Acronyms Committee? (sorry, AZ!
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doh! yea, I meant "RINO." RICO is something completely different.
So can I be chairman for both TBEAWEZAMC AND COMATX?
The majority of my family is conservative. My maternal grandfather, however, was a liberal democrat until the day he died.
As I believe I am the oldest here......IMHO Idealism for me has faded over the years with realism taking it's place. I still try to have a positive influence within my event horizon. I think that's the best that anyone can do. The question is what it means to each individual and what are you prepared to give....time?...cash? your entire life? For me, I donate what I can...if I was "Oprah" rich I'd donate a shitload just like she does. My world scope is much smaller as I make just enuff of a humble living to survive comfortably. There are those of us with way too much and some with way too little. THEY should get together. I still luv my fellow man and care which way the world turns but I can only do so much......for now.