If you want to change the world for the better, then you are an idealist. If you want to change the world for the better, but you believe it cannot be changed one whit, then you are a pessimist, and your idealism will only haunt you. If you want to change the world for the better, but you believe that it will grow worse, despite everyone’s efforts, then you are a truly despondent, perhaps misguided idealist. If you want to change the world for the better, and if you are determined to do so, no matter at what cost to yourself or others, no matter what the risk, and if you believe that those ends justify any means at your disposal, then you are a fanatic.
(Roberts.J, 1995, A Seth Book: The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events, Amber-Allen Publishing)
I love this, as a stand alone quote it made me laugh. Gawd knows why! 😉
In context of the rest of the text, it’s very interesting. So I may have to post the rest of it too at some point.
IshaiyaFreshlySqueezed 
It made me smile too as I don’t believe in changing anyone or the world. People can only change themselves and their thoughts can bring forth a change in the world. I also believe we are not here to change others…only ourselves. 😀 *hugs*
Yep, and the follow up quote to this is pretty much what you’ve just outlined, that any change starts with yourself, the individual, and that can be enough to change the world. I agree with that too. 🙂
Hugs back
Oh dear, so I was thinking ahead again. 😆
I’m afraid so….
It’s your fault! 😆
sorreeee! 😀
Whahahaha! It’s okay… you’re forgiven. 😆
Phew!
Whahahahaha! 😀
We all start life full of idealism. Who would not want to change the world when we see our world without any prejudice, everything for the first time? As the toddler becomes an adolescent the world becomes a little more settled and we have learned how to cope with the system according to their terms. Idealism is replaced with a hard nose for reality. Man has to deal with I deal stage and if he hasn’t compromised his ideals and reach for set of ideas instead he knows ‘isms’ are too powerful currents to fight with, Before long idealism has fled from us and we are barely keeping ourself afloat.
I think it’s true that we are all naturally idealist, and there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s the delivery and the focus that often becomes the issue, in that when focussed outwardly it can be incredibly destructive because for as long as you are looking outwardly you are not looking inwardly. Change begins with the self, if you are well and happy, then you cannot help but exude that confidence, that others cannot help but benefit from. The simplest evidence of that kind of influence is a smile, when you smile at someone they cannot help but smile back and feel emotionally changed by that, even if only for a moment. Powerful stuff, and so simple.
I fully agree. Those who have cultivated their mind and asked questions and set their priorities right will not be swept off by ‘slow contagion’ of compromise. ‘Know thyself’ is the cure for human puzzlement. All the answers you may not have but you know fairly well how to handle in case of doubt.
“Know thyself” I know that motto well, and one I hold close. Well put.
what am i if am not an idealist, a despondent or a fanatic? I realised early it was not a worthwhile venture to change the world, the only thing I have managed to change so far is how I view the world and this alone is enough for me, if by this change someone is changes, the better for all of us
No, I know, when I read this I too found myself thinking the same! 🙂
But reading on, and with a bit of rational thought applied I realised that the point of it was that any global change begins with the self. It cannot happen any other way, unless you’re talking natural disasters, but even then I believe consciousness is linked.
I like this quote too 🙂
If only it were an ideal world, but that in itself is problematic, as we all have differing views of what ideal is. I reckon we should be content sailing round in circles, keeping an eye out for Mr Argus and his spit.
That sounds like a good plan Bat-girl! 🙂
I seem to be okay at changing a lightbulb. Oh and socks and pants, but that’s about it, I’m afraid.
Cryptic…
That is freakin awesome
lol Thank you! 🙂
Eek … I scored an own-goal on all points but the last.
As a non-fanatic I think I’ll go bite somebody …
🙂