However, for the purpose of this post, it is not so much the classical definition of idealism that I am interested.
It is more that which might be called
the lay-person's definition. It is that of 'the idealism of youth.'
To which we might also add 'the idealism of the religious believer', even if the latter tends to hold sway, holds onto more of it's adherents or victims for the duration of their lives.
Now, I do not know if everybody, in their youth, had a concept of idealism which they believed in and pursued.
Probably until that fateful, either gradual or sudden moment when it struck them/us, that our 'idealism' is unrealistic, and not achievable.
Of course, we do not have to see idealism as pertaining to just one thing.
Our idealism could be multiple idealisms, where it relates to our political ideology, our personal life, our choice of partners, and our religious beliefs, among others.
We can see what is probably the 'ultimate idealism' as being embodied in all or most theistic religions, where the convert or follower is promised a perpetual or forever utopian life.
To be continued!
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