Practical Idealism: A Remedy.

After the violence of the 1980s we were forced to accept the proposition that pragmatism was a superior method to idealism.

Reluctantly we consented to allow the powers of the world to try.

Unfortunately this has turned out to be a gross deception.

After 40 years of pragmatism the world is a darker, more violent, more unequal place than ever before.

My remedy is to return to the idealism of the 1960s and 1970s without dismissing the practical advantages that come from pragmatism.

Things like: economic development projects in developing countries, sustainable development goals, carbon emissions targets, preservation of marine parks etc..

These can be linked to idealism and peace initiatives in order to turn the world around.

We must accept that pragmatic economic ideology has failed.

The world is not a better place.

We must return to the ideals of ethical socialism in order to regain what has been lost.

Practical idealism is not only the basis of a balanced political solution it is also the basis of a viable religion for the 21st Century.

So resurrect your ideals and your spiritual values and link them to practical action.

Then we may make the world a better place.

  

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore.