ABSTRACT
The false-idealism of the Optimist and the false-realism of the Pessimist alike rest upon a speculative superstition. Realism teaches the Idealist to know the means which are necessary for the attainment of his aim. Realism has become the undisputed privilege of the Egoists. Confidence in the assumed power of the Good to realise itself is thus purchased at the price of unbelief in the power of the personal moral will of man—the price of the loss of moral self-confidence. The genuine Idealist knows that he is free from any visionary ideas as to the realisation of ideal efforts. The Idealist is neither a dreamer nor a doubter, but he looks at the world as it is, with the eyes of the Realist, and from such realism his energy and his courage spring. The Realist has nothing in common with the folk who go about hawking the wise counsel that one should only strive after what is attainable.
