By Roberto Assagioli<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Then there is the glamour of idealism. This is a more or less subtle obfuscation, but one that can have very ugly consequences. It is the illusion that the higher level, the ideal, must be pursued at all costs; that is, narrowly, fanatically or prematurely. Instead of this, there needs to be a wise gradualness in the appreciation and progressive materialization of ideals. And also an awareness that it is not possible to pursue all ideals at once.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If we have an ideal model of ourselves that is too high and unrealistic, it is only natural that we fail to achieve it; and this leads to a reaction of depression, or self-accusation and guilt. We must always remember that we are in an imperfect universe, that perfection is achieved only very, very gradually, and that the ideal must be seen as a point of arrival, and cannot be realized on the spur of the moment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In a certain sense we should have a dual perspective, both long-term and immediate, as well as intermediate. We should see the ideal as placed at the top of a mountain to be climbed; then we have the intermediate vision of the path to get there, with the various steps to be taken to get to the top; and finally the close-up view of the next step to be taken, which makes us be very careful where we put our footing so as not to tumble.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Glamour of Idealism<\/strong>. Roberto Assagioli, (Assagioli Archives – Florence). Original Title: Annebbiamento dell\u2019idealismo. Translated by Jan Kuniholm<\/p>\r\n\r\n