Liberation movements - prizing ends over means - are not always particular about their friends or scrupulous about their transactions.
Pure pragmatism can't imagine a bold future. Pure idealism can't get anything done. It is the delicate blend of both that drives innovation.
I raise my stein to the builder who can remove ghettos without removing people as I hail the chef who can make omelets without breaking eggs.
Idealism without pragmatism is impotent. Pragmatism without idealism is meaningless. The key to effective leadership is pragmatic idealism.
You see, idealism detached from action is just a dream. But idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It's very real. It's very strong.
America can always be counted upon to do the right thing in the end, having first exhausted the available alternatives.
I'm still basically an idealist, which translates into getting real things done to make people's lives better.
Practical efficiency is common, and lofty idealism not uncommon; it is the combination which is necessary, and the combination is rare
Really, I have to laugh because there was a whole set of stories that made me sound like the Dragon Lady, you know, 'tough this and tough that.' Then there is this business about 'gooey.' The bottom line is I am a pragmatic idealist.
