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"You're suggesting noble idealism is politics?" asked Professor.
"Yes, from what you're telling me about idealism."
"No, true idealism rises above politics."
"I see. But then how does it know it's not spuriously noble or quixotic? Doesn't it have to know, really know, what is possible? And doesn't that take knowledge of politics?"
"There is a reality that transcends the political. Noble idealism is in touch with this. That's how it knows what is possible."
"What is it that transcends the political, friend?"
"Human nature."
"Ah, so you do not believe that man is essentially a political animal?"
"No, not essentially. But he gets confused. The ideal puts him in touch with his nature."
"Something to strive for, getting in touch with his nature?"
"Yes, the ideal gives him this."
"And when he has achieved what he strives for, when he is in touch with his nature - what then?"
"He is in his fullness, the great state of contentment."
"What about down below, below his nature, in the strivings wholly within the political world?"
"That is base striving," said Professor with a slight touch of disgust.
"So you don't think there can be ideals wholly within the political world?"
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Nick Pappas, pappasnick.typepad.com
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