Pragmatic Idealism

A Pragmatist accepts things as they are, not as they could or should be. A pragmatist is rooted in logic without judgment or attachment. An Idealist always expects the best possible outcome even when it seems unlikely and is rooted in emotion instead of logic. Instead of labeling things as right or wrong, good or bad, we accept them, and by expecting the best, we eliminate worry. Pragmatic Idealist blends two seemingly opposing characteristics into a singularly effective way of being, cultivating a deep sense of compassion and acceptance towards ourselves and others.

Pragmatic Idealism is not just a concept but a way of life. It combines pragmatism with an idealistic outlook. It encourages us to navigate through life’s challenges by approaching situations with an open mind, empathy, understanding, and trust. So, let go of judgment, trust the outcome, and have fun.

A Pragmatist appreciates the uniqueness of each individual’s journey and understands that everyone is doing their best with the resources available to them.

Pragmatism emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-awareness. It encourages us to constantly strive for self-improvement while acknowledging our limitations.

Embracing Pragmatic Idealism in your life means letting go of the need for control. It invites you to surrender to the flow of energy and trust in the unfolding of events. You can find peace and contentment in the present moment by relinquishing the desire to control outcomes.

Pragmatism encourages us to seek common ground with others rather than focusing on our differences. It reminds us that we are all interconnected and that cooperation and understanding can bridge even the widest divides.

In essence, Pragmatic Idealism offers a nonjudgmental and trusting life path that enables us to navigate the complexities of modern existence with grace and wisdom. By embracing this philosophy, we cultivate a greater sense of compassion, acceptance, trust, and personal growth.

Put another way: Just Chill. Go with the flow. Don’t sweat the small stuff—and it’s all small stuff.

For people, places, and things: Pragmatically accept. Don’t Judge it right or wrong – it just is. If you like whatever it is, then just keep on keepin’ on. If you don’t like it, make a change. Let it go. Walk away.

I want you to live in abundance and happiness, knowing you are in total control of your circumstance as you let go of control.

Take the long view. Let go of judgment, trust the outcome, and have fun.


Make your plans and set your goals, but don’t attach to the details.

…the marvelous mystery of the universe: how it is intense activity and at the same time intense peace, how it works every moment and rest every moment.” – Swami Vivekananda (Hindu Tradition)

Live without Judgement and without Attachment.

Detachment is not that you should own nothing, but that nothing should own you.” – Ali Ibn Abi Talib (Islam)

Love without Judgement and without Attachment.

It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.” – Aldous Huxley, Island


Non-Attachment and Non-Judgement

The path of the Pragmatic Idealist is filled with happiness because a Pragmatic Idealist moves lightly through life without attachment and without judgment, appreciating the abundance and joy that surrounds us. It may seem like a challenging way to live, but once you have a habit of being happy you will find it is the easist way there is to live a happy and abundant life.

Dance With Life

A Pragmatic Idealist blends these two seemingly opposing characteristics into a singularly effective Way of Being.

“It Is What It Is” is a very pragmatic phrase and a handy phrase for a Pragmatic Idealist making Happiness a Habit.

Your reaction to that phrase will also tell you a lot about yourself. An optimist sees it as a state of potentiality. “It is what it is” accepts the situation without judgment and without attachment. It suggests nothing less than infinite possibilities.

I have used that phrase for years, thinking that anyone hearing me would know what I felt/thought. It turns out that I couldn’t be more wrong. 

I couldn’t understand why a friend of mine got upset with me until he explained what he heard. To him, it was the ultimate F# You. Total resignation. A thoroughly pessimistic take on the situation.

If you have the pessimistic reaction, you may have to pay closer attention to your emotions and your changes will perhaps be more dramatic.

For me, being pragmatic means accepting what is, without judgment and without attachment. Throughout your journey, you will find without judgment and without attachment are a significant part of the foundation of living in your Happy Zone.

Radical Trust is part of being a Pragmatic Idealist and making Happiness a Habit. As an idealist, I always expect the best. 

I consider myself a Pragmatic Idealist. You, of course, do not have to embrace that title to Live in your Happy Zone. 

You do have to cultivate Radical Trust as well as Non-Judgement and Non-Attachment.

So, let go of judgment, trust the outcome, and have fun.