The provided text examines the linguistic and political conflict between pragmatism and idealism, arguing that society has unfairly devalued the former. While idealism is often associated with courage and vision, the author contends that it frequently ignores complex realities, leading to disastrous policy outcomes. In contrast, pragmatism is presented as the essential tool for effective governance, as demonstrated by the strategic successes of leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela. The source suggests that being practical is not a sign of moral weakness but a necessary requirement for managing a diverse and pluralistic democracy. Ultimately, the author calls for a reclamation of the word, asserting that building functional systems is more valuable than pursuing rigid abstractions.
