An anti-idealist is an individual who rejects or opposes idealism, a philosophical stance emphasizing the importance of ideas, ideals, and the mind in shaping reality. They tend to prioritize concrete experience, practicality, and observable facts over abstract concepts, lofty goals, or subjective interpretations. Anti-idealists often embrace a pragmatic worldview, focusing on what works and what can be proven, rather than pursuing unattainable perfection or universal truths. They may view idealists as naive, unrealistic, or detached from the realities of the world. They may be critical of utopian thinking and prioritize achievable objectives.
Anti-idealist meaning with examples
- The seasoned journalist, known for her cynical reporting, was an anti-idealist. She focused on the gritty details of everyday life and approached every 'perfect' story with skepticism, demanding tangible evidence rather than flowery prose. She saw idealism as a dangerous distraction from the truth, a lens that often blurred the true picture of reality.
- After years in the field, the social worker transformed into an anti-idealist, favoring measurable impact over grand, sweeping solutions. He was once drawn to idealistic approaches; now, his focus remained on practical measures and supporting clients with tangible resources and evidence-based services.
- The successful businessman, a staunch anti-idealist, believed solely in the bottom line and focused his efforts on profitable ventures. He considered idealistic projects a waste of resources and time, and prioritized the company's financial health over perceived social or environmental benefits.
- Accused of being an anti-idealist, the politician’s pragmatic policies stood out in a sea of idealistic promises. He often questioned the feasibility of ambitious schemes and focused on incremental improvements based on achievable objectives.