Our Worldview
Practical Idealism
The American philosopher John Dewey wrote, “We pride ourselves upon a practical idealism, a lively and easily moved faith in possibilities as yet unrealized, in willingness to make sacrifice for their realization.” Mahatma Gandhi subsequently adopted the phrase to describe his strategy, which affirms an ethical imperative to implement ideals of virtue or good in every aspect of life with goodwill realistically.
Being practical is living within what is possible. Being idealistic affirms what could be. Practical idealism pursues ideals (the highest moral principles) while accepting compromises that move toward them. It refuses to discard ideals in the name of expediency and continues to promote its ideals while negotiating. It focuses on appeals to “do what is right” but may appeal to long-term “enlightened self-interest.”
Balancing these two perspectives and adjusting them as circumstances change is crucial. Practical idealism understands that creating meaningful change requires the audacity to dream and the patience to take steps toward realizing these dreams.
Gandhi inspired leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who articulated his Six Steps for Nonviolent Social Change, drawing from Gandhi's principles. These steps are Information Gathering, Education, Personal Commitment, Negotiation, Direct Action, and Reconciliation. They can guide nonviolent political campaigns that achieve incremental gains. This strategy builds momentum through victories that aim for reconciliation and cultivate the Beloved Community with other-centered solidarity.
But pragmatic idealism is wider than the political arena. We can apply it in every aspect of life. Conflict resolution and nonviolent communication, in various forms, are widely recognized methods that embody this approach.
Combining visionary idealism with practical pragmatism can cultivate a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Idealism provides us with the goals and inspiration for a better world, while pragmatism grounds these ideals in reality and makes progress possible. It acknowledges the importance of dreaming big while taking tangible actions to create positive change.
So, let’s embrace practical idealism with passion and conviction, dare to dream big, and set audacious goals for a more compassionate world. With this perspective as our guiding light, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
Holistic and Systemic Transformation