Idealism vs. Cynicism

Idealism vs. Cynicism — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Idealism and Cynicism

Idealismnoun

The property of a person of having high ideals that are usually unrealizable or at odds with practical life.

Cynicismnoun

(uncountable) a distrustful attitude

David T Wolf: "Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows."

Idealismnoun

The practice or habit of giving or attributing ideal form or character to things; treatment of things in art or literature according to ideal standards or patterns;—opposed to realism.

Cynicismnoun

(uncountable) an emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people. Cynicism can manifest itself by frustration, disillusionment and distrust in regard to organizations, authorities and other aspects of society, often due to previous bad experience. Cynics often view others as motivated solely by disguised self-interest.

Idealismnoun

(philosophy) An approach to philosophical enquiry, which asserts that direct and immediate knowledge can only be had of ideas or mental pictures.

Cynicismnoun

(countable) a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic comment or act

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Idealismnoun

(philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality

Cynicismnoun

a cynical feeling of distrust

Idealismnoun

impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are

Idealismnoun

elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued