Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality the cost becomes prohibitive. – William F. Buckley

An idealist believes the short run doesnt count. A cynic believes the long run doesnt matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run determines the long run. – Sydney J. Harris

The idealist walks on tiptoe, the materialist on his heels. – Malcolm De Chazal

What we need most, is not so much to realize the ideal as to idealize the real. – Francis Herbert Hedge