Idealism increases in direct proportion to one’s distance from the problem. John Galsworthy
Idealism springs from deep feelings, but feelings are nothing without the formulated idea that keeps them whole. Jacques Barzun
Words without actions are the assassins of idealism. Herbert Hoover
Idealism is based on big ideas. And, as anybody who has ever been asked ‘What’s the big idea?’ knows, most big ideas are bad ones. P.J. O’Rourke
No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. Winston Churchill.
All idealism is falsehood in the face of necessity. Friedrich Nietzsche
Much that passes as idealism is disguised hatred or disguised love of power. Bertrand Russell
Idealism is the despot of thought, just as politics is the despot of will. Mikhail Bakunin
Our ideals are our better selves. Amos Bronson Alcott
Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive. William F Buckley, Jr