Unfettered idealism is like anything else unfettered, it's likely to go wandering aimlessly around the countryside or, worse still, wreak havoc on Joe Public. For an example of the former examine the the political left wing in Britain in the 60s, 70s and 80s, for the latter see Hitler or AQ, some would cite the neocons.

I'm all for idealist thinking, without it we're the poorer, but much better that it be firmly anchored to a large lump of pragmatism and critical debate. Dianavan wrote that " Ideals motivate us to be the best that we can be.", and I agree but the obverse of that particular coin is also true and who's to say which ideal is right.

Dianavan is also correct in that ideas, even great ideas are ten a penny, they need to be followed through.

And finally, sorry Amos but I'm with shambles, I think marie is talking utter drivel.