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| "Old Man with a Young Boy" (c. 1490) by Domenico Ghirlandaio |
On the one hand, you could say that "naive idealism" is foolish and uninformed and that wisdom comes with age. On the other hand, you could say that some kind of "naive idealism" is necessary in this world and that what counts as "wisdom" is cynicism, complacency and, in some cases, laziness.
Consider the people you admire. Would you say that they tend to be more "naive idealists" or "wise cynics"? Which end of that spectrum do you yourself identify with most? Would you agree that, generally speaking, older people undervalue "naive idealism"? Can you think of examples in which "naive idealism" has made things worse?
Only answer these questions after you've read part three, chapter nine and all the preceding chapters.
I think the people I tend to admire are definitely “naïve idealists”. I look up to those who aspire to look for the best or look for new changes in people or things. Wisdom doesn’t mean cynicism and it never should. I would hopefully consider myself a “naive idealist” and I hope others would agree. Even if they think it childish, I much rather be considered hopeful and kind, than cynical and content any day.
ReplyDeleteI think a majority of older people undervalue “naïve idealism”. I think there’s always been a focus on the idea that as you age you also become wise and being wise is best. Sometimes that’s not always the case though. If everyone strives to be the wisest, the world will be one big grunting contest, and no one would be happy. I think there are times though where “naïve idealism” can seemingly make things worse. It tends to lead to hot-headed and rash decision making, but sometimes those decisions are the most fun and enjoyable life experiences.
The people who gain the most admiration from me are those who hold a deep respect for others. A respect so deep that it digs past a respect for people, but respects animals, bugs, even inanimate objects to an extent. This may seem as a quality that would stem off of wisdom gained from old age, but I would argue this is rooted much deeper in idealism. Caring for everything around oneself is near the opposite of cynicism. As for naivete, I will ask: why are they naive? One who is naive because they have not tried or are unwilling to gain knowledge will find little admiration from me; those who are naive because they are new, or because they seek so much knowledge that they can never learn enough to consider themselves learned on the topic - they have my utmost admiration. We are all naive in one way or another; it is the quest to shed this title that I commend.
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely a “naive idealist.” Any who are not naive at my age are either extremely dedicated - already spending years learning all they can over whatever topic - or they focus on a very limited topic, such as knowing all there is to know about a specific video game franchise. Having done neither of these myself, I am very naive. I am also idealistic. I consider myself moreso pragmatic, yet any teetering situation is always going to land as a positive in my mind; I am anything but pessimistic. Speaking of idealism as in the philosophy (I do not think this is what the question refers to), to sum it up: “to be is to be perceived.” It is reality based on one’s mind, as all one experiences and will ever experience are external stimuli deciphered by the mind, that is, if any of it really is external. In this way, I am not sure if I support idealism in my own life. This is because, in my opinion, this is one of the many things that cannot be proven or disproven. Let us say that there is “proof” of existence outside of one’s mind, you perceive this proof in your mind, so it may have begun in your mind as well, leaving nothing proven.
I do believe that “naive idealism” is undervalued, as so much hope stems from those who fit within this frame. No hope is to be found from the “wise” cynical individuals. As a society - as a species even - where would we be without hope?
Of course, “naive idealism” can make things worse, such as going into something blindly with hope that it will work out; it is always good to gain an amount of information as to prepare for any occasion.
My admiration may lean towards idealism. Idealistic traits I admire are optimistic, kind, helpful, trusting, motivated, and creative. I can also appreciate cynicism. It's important to know limitations, seeing flaws is how improvements are made, they are very realistic, practical, and do what needs to be done. I think I lean more towards naive idealism, because I see myself that way but I may act more like the cynical wisdom. I think older people actually really like naivety. It reminds them of when they were young. Most older people know that young people are the future and will grow as they did. Elders say things like “don't make the mistakes I made.” They want people to learn practicality and responsibility. There was this book I read that is about a prince who wants to help his kingdom because there is a drought and he has powers. He thinks that he can save everyone and they all put their faith into him, but when he fails they tear down his statues and beat him. Sometimes there are limits and things that are meant to happen that people can't change.
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