An idealist is a person who believes in the power of ideas, values, and goals, often prioritizing them over concrete realities
. They are passionately concerned with personal growth and development and strive to discover their true selves and how they can become their best selves
. Idealists are often known for their enthusiasm and idealism, which can inspire others
. They can be found in various fields, including philosophy, arts, and sociology
. In philosophy, idealism is a term with several related meanings, such as the belief that reality is made up only of ideas or that the mind, spirit, reason, and will are the ultimate foundation of all reality
. Idealists often represent the world as it might or should be, in contrast to pragmatists who focus on the world as it presently is
. In the arts, idealism affirms imagination and attempts to realize a mental conception of beauty or a standard of perfection, juxtaposed to aesthetic naturalism and realism
. The term idealism is also sometimes used in a sociological sense, emphasizing how human ideas, especially beliefs and values, shape society
. In everyday language, the term idealist is often used to describe someone who is optimistic and believes that good will prevail in the long run
. This is not because such people are necessarily unrealistic, but because they prioritize ideals and goals over concrete realities
