People normally think that idealists are optimistic and it is they who see the world in a positive light hence there is a general conception that they can run the world in a better way. In theory, it it absolutely true. Idealists ideas of a perfect world and a society without any evil and assumes the essential goodness of human nature.
You can only fix problems if you can see them. You cannot fix the sugar coated problems and that is the problem with idealists. They present a very appealing image of the world but at the end of the day, it is idealists who see the world as it is supposed to be. Things are the way as they are supposed to be. There is evil and its presence is important to make people realize about moral values and other good aspects of life, like in democracy, a strong opposition is important for the smooth flow of democracy. Idealists are pessimists and that make them practically suitable to run this world better. Idealists shape a society in which contented person can make its way. But it an acknowledge truth that human are hungry for power. There's a quote, " when the chips are down, these civilized people, they will eat each other."
Niccolo Machiavelli says, "For when entire safety of the country is to be decided, there ought not to exist any consideration of just or unjust, nor what is merciful or cruel, ahead of every other consideration, that proceeding ought to be followed which will save the life of the country and maintain its liberty."
What you're actually describing in this piece is "realism", not "idealism". Idealists take a rosy picture of human nature and believe that conflict can be mitigated through negotiations and international organizations. Realists, on the other hand, argue that human nature is selfish and that states are also selfish and seek to advance their interests by maximizing their power.
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