Author: Oleg Maltsev
Each person has his own attitude towards the world and the problems that arise in life. Those who proudly call themselves optimists perceive the surrounding reality as a holiday and easily experience difficult moments. Pessimists grumble even about minor things, taking happy circumstances for an easy respite before further troubles. There is a category of people who do not romanticize the world, but also do not consider it filled with complete misfortune. These are realists who adhere to the golden mean in terms of their attitude towards life.
This is a realist
People are accustomed to dividing each other into optimists and pessimists. Therefore, not everyone knows who a realist is. There are several definitions, for example, psychological, philosophical and others. Simple common sense, subjectivity of opinion and a number of other positive and negative qualities determine this phenomenon.
Note! Realism is often compared with idealism, asking which of these human characteristics is better.
However, one cannot compare certain character traits, since they make a personality out of an individual. In any case, a person has his own advantages and disadvantages, regardless of what qualities he possesses.
Philosophy about realism
The definition of realism in philosophy has no clear boundaries:
- According to the direction of scholasticism, this term denotes real-life concepts: man, tree, house.
- Realism is contrasted with mysticism (emotional worldview).
- English philosophy gives this meaning certainty, believing that realistic concepts are the truth, the rest is false metaphysics.
- The philosophy of the 20th century defines this term as the correspondence of theories to facts.
Europeans gave realism an evaluative character, meaning "good", although the rating varied depending on the opinion of the person evaluating it. In addition, “realism” described non-European philosophical concepts, but from a European point of view.
Interpretation in psychology
In psychology, a lot of information is devoted to what a realist means. The term has a clear definition, which states that a realist is a person who evaluates events and phenomena occurring around him subjectively, that is, including personal opinion and attitude. It is believed that a person who has predominant realism as a character trait is better oriented in life situations. Such people do not engage in self-deception, do not harbor illusions, and are accurate in their judgments.
Note! Realism has more or less clear boundaries of character. It is not necessary for a person inclined to realism to be stern and impartial. There are those who rely on facts and logic. There are also representatives who are characterized by skepticism.
There is a fine line with skepticism
Who is this nonsense?
A pofigist is a person who practically does not pay attention to current events and acts in his own way. Although the term is humorous, it is still often encountered.
Its essence is expressed very simply. Such a person often acts without any evaluation of actions, simply at his own discretion.
Pros of not giving a damn
1. No unnecessary worries. Since you don’t have to think and evaluate once again, then there are fewer worries.
2. Action on a whim. Such people often act on desires, whether fleeting or not. Ice cream in a snowstorm? Easily! And it doesn’t matter what they say there.
3. They can do incredible things. Often such events are spoken of as “beyond the comprehensible.”
It is worth recognizing that, depending on the results and the actions themselves, the third plus can also be considered a minus.
Cons of not giving a damn
1. Can easily go with the flow. That is, limit yourself only to simple things, and perceive everything else as a necessity.
2. Lack of financial literacy, the ability to at least analyze events, etc., can easily create additional problems for such a person or the people around him.
3. Unpredictability and unreliability. If indifference is too strongly developed in a person, then it can reach the point of absurdity. Of course, being a blank slate for other people can be harmful. But doing something with a random person is very problematic.
As you can see, there are some important points that need to be taken into account.
The difference between a realist and an idealist
Misanthrope - what does it mean, who is he?
It is worth noting who an idealist is and his differences from a realist. An idealist has a habit of embellishing certain events. Having met a person, he will give him non-existent positive character traits, excessive kindness, care and other qualities. A realist would be more likely to wait for evidence of such positive characteristics of a new acquaintance.
People with such contradictory character traits may have similar concepts, for example, about lying - lying is bad. However, realists understand that sometimes it is impossible to do without deception, when, like idealists, they are confident that lying is always a bad option.
To summarize, the idealist believes in the idea itself. A realist will believe in it only when he sees the results.
Realist or idealist? Who is closer to the truth?
The meaning of the word in the modern sense connects the concept with a person who perceives reality as it is.
Unlike the idealist, who, in pursuit of the ideal, does not notice the beauty of the world around him.
A realist is an idealist of the real world. In the case when a person perceives the surrounding reality through the prism of a positive view of things and comprehends beauty in its pristine state, conveys his skill in objects of art, we can say that he achieves his destination in nature. Just like an idealist, in his quest to comprehend perfection, finds materials in the world around him. The ability to see beauty, the idea of beauty in the real world and translate one’s vision into an object of art is the purpose of an artist. There are trends, such as abstractionism, that cannot be connected with reality in any way. However, the reality in this case is the very combination of colors and the color scheme of the emotional state. In this meaning, a person becomes a creator with a capital C, regardless of school, direction, position in relation to the world.
Types of realists
Phlegmatic - who is he, brief description
People with a realistic personality type have the traits of an optimist or a pessimist. Much depends on the life experience of one or another representative of this character trait.
Note! We can say about such a person that he sees the world around him the way he wants to see it, despite his optimism or pessimism.
Individuals with this characteristic can be divided into 3 types:
- Naive. Based on logic, facts, common sense.
- Scientific. Has a reasonable belief about some fact, along with a personal opinion.
- Critical. Closer to the idealist, since he admits the idea that some ideas may be erroneous.
Afterword
There are common opinions about what it is worth adhering to this or that position in life. However, in reality, it is more beneficial and useful to be able to apply different types of thinking depending on the situation and need. In addition, having at least four different views, you can more easily, more fully and quickly evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the current situation.
For example. An optimist can see previously unnoticed opportunities, as well as revive a depressing atmosphere, thereby raising the general spirit. A pessimist will easily find all the gaps in the situation and identify possible risks more accurately. A realist will be able to more clearly identify the possibilities available. And a person who doesn’t give a damn will be able to find unique approaches to all this and act ahead. As you can see, having these 4 approaches, you may have more opportunities on your hands than if you approach the matter one-sidedly.
It is also worth understanding that there are times when one or another archetype is more preferable.
Slightly exaggerated examples. For joy, a pessimist, so that joy does not go beyond the limits of reason. For sadness, an optimist, so that the emotion does not develop into something more serious. For everyday affairs, a realist who will simply get things done, and not concern himself with the harmony of the environment. For decisive matters, he doesn’t give a damn, since he won’t waste extra time and effort. And so on.
However, it is worth understanding that just a glance will not replace everything else. Your knowledge, experience, skills, activity, sound logic and other aspects also influence your success and results. As they say, “scratching your tongue is not carrying bags.” Therefore, always remember about sound logic and the fact that you have your own head on your shoulders.
How to recognize a realist
Optimist - who is he?
A realist is a person who is confident in himself, has an unshakable opinion, he knows what he wants and how to get it. In the process of communication, he does not use expressions like “maybe”, “probably”, he allows himself to inform others about his capabilities regarding this or that phenomenon, excluding unnecessary fantasies and speculation.
The questions of who a woman realist is and what a man realist is require special attention.
Straightforwardness, rigor, loyalty and responsibility are the traits of a realist. Sometimes she is overly serious, but this makes her an irreplaceable, sympathetic friend. Men of the same character are usually pragmatists, they have developed strategy and practicality. They know the value of actions and things, the main thing is that they are not afraid of responsibility.
Responsibility as a positive quality
Who is an optimist?
An optimist... - it is generally accepted that this is a person who never loses heart. He is happy about everything, nothing can spoil his mood, and he doesn’t even care about the rain, just at the time when he forgot his umbrella. But actually it is not.
First of all, an optimist is a person who firmly believes that everything is for the better. Being an optimist does not mean being always cheerful; being an optimist means believing in the future.
An optimist looks at everything with hope, tries to find positive aspects, to turn the situation around for himself so as to see something good in it. It is this attitude towards life that protects him from unnecessary stress, anxiety and depression. An optimist, unlike a pessimist, does not create tragedies. He breathes smoothly and solves problems.
Optimists, as opposed to pessimists, look at any situation in perspective. Not from the point of view of “what have I lost because of this”, but from the point of view of “what can I gain”. No, this is not a naive view of the world, it’s just that optimists have a firm understanding that everything passes.
Optimists notice the little things. And if someone feels like there is nothing to be happy about because the overall picture is depressing, an optimistic person will find something to cling to to turn the bad into good.
An optimist is not afraid of obstacles. Not because he is fearless, he is okay with fear, but he regards the obstacle as another test, before which he will in no way give up, but will emerge victorious.
Optimists attract people and are valued as friends. Everyone enjoys having someone who will cheer you up and find the positives even in the most hopeless situation.
Such people send positive energy into the world, they do not become discouraged, and even if they do, it does not last for long, so they attract people to themselves.
Optimists are not afraid to take risks. They will not jump headlong into the pool without thinking everything through, but if they feel that luck may await them, they will not miss the chance.
An optimist always rises. He (she), like most people, may sometimes doubt his success, but this state does not last long for an optimistic person; he quickly forces himself to comb his hair, smile and move forward again. Not out of inertia, but with faith that this path will lead somewhere.
An optimist does not allow himself to show others that he is upset. And this is not isolation, he just believes that it is dishonest to take out his negative feelings on others. Therefore, he tries to cope with them, if they appear, alone. As a rule, he succeeds quickly.
An optimist is not a flighty person who sees only the good in everything.
Being an optimist is a lot of work; it manifests itself primarily in faith in life. After all, he, like any other person, is upset by failures. It’s just that every time he finds the strength not to focus his attention and thoughts on them.
An optimist has his own special psychology, a solid philosophy, the main dogma of which is that everything in this world happens for good. And even if this benefit is hard to see now, it still exists, which means you shouldn’t despair.
It is much easier for an optimist to control the situation; he does not panic or fuss. His position in life allows him not to succumb to emotions and calmly manage circumstances as much as possible.
An optimist does not rely on luck; he creates his own success.
An optimist knows how to “turn over a leaf.” He tries not to drag failure into a new day and regards every morning as another chance to change something.
An optimist, first of all, draws energy from the moment, from every moment. For him, reality is exactly what is here and now. He knows that the past is already in the past, and the future is just coming. Therefore, he tries to perceive every second more fully, to merge with it, so that, drawing opportunities and strength from the present, he can create his future.
Is it good or bad to be realistic?
There is no clear answer to this question; we can only highlight the positive and negative qualities of this characteristic. The advantages include a high level of responsibility. A person is capable of leadership because he is not afraid to make decisions. He is able to harmoniously establish life and career.
There are some shortcomings, including down-to-earthness, inability, and reluctance to dream or give free rein to the imagination. Not many people like to communicate with such a laconic interlocutor, from whom they have to forcefully extract information. In addition, realists are considered to be conservative. Abrupt changes are alien to them, incl. openings, relocations. They might be called boring.
Meaning of the term in philosophy
Realism implies that general realities have a substantial existence. This interpretation is typical for the Middle Ages. Philosophers of the time debated the reality of universals (general concepts that unite many similar individual objects).
There were opposing opinions:
- general concepts or ideas exist as a certain structure that precedes material embodiment, they are as real as the visible world;
- general concepts are just terms that describe some knowledge about the world, but it remains only words, and in reality individual entities have a more complex structure.
Realists argued that universals exist in reality, that is, that words are as material as objects we can touch and see. They were opposed by nominalists, who objected to the real existence of detached concepts.
The term “realism”, characteristic only of European philosophy, does not have an unambiguous definition. At different times, he designated directions of philosophical thought that established the relationship of concepts to the real world, sometimes completely opposite.
Features of communication with a realist
Having discovered that the interlocutor turned out to be a realist, you should not think that there should be a special attitude towards him. There is no point in arguing with such a person; you cannot impose your point of view on him if it does not coincide with the worldview of this realist. The main thing is not to burden him with empty talk. However, in close relationships, realists are trusting and value mutual understanding and comfort.
You should not expect from him all sorts of dramatic scenes with a showdown, as well as pleasant sudden surprises. This is a stable, constant and reliable person.
How to behave with a realist?
First of all, there is no need to burden such a person with philosophy and speculative conclusions. When communicating with a realist, it is advisable to understand that facts and a clear formulation of ideas are important to him. It’s better when all this is supported by real life examples. For example, when offering your business partner, who is distinguished by realism, a new advertising campaign, it is necessary to focus his attention on the fact that such measures have already brought profit to someone. It’s even better if specific numbers are announced: how much was invested, how much was received, what was the conversion, etc.
There is not much romance in a romantic relationship with a realist. More dialogue will be based on trust, mutual understanding, and comfort. This type of personality is not characterized by rash “heroic” actions with outbursts of emotions. Everything is extremely simple and logical. If they suit each other, they build a relationship; if not, they say goodbye. Accordingly, in their youth, realists have a more difficult time compared to their more dreamy peers, but the older they get, the more popular they begin to enjoy with the opposite sex.
How to raise a realistic child
Realists are not born. This quality is acquired over time and with experience. Although this trait can be cultivated from childhood, it should be observed in moderation. It is important for a child to develop harmoniously; fantasy is an integral stage of childhood and subsequent development. Thus, observing excessive idealism, children are gently lowered “from heaven to earth.”
There is a lot of debate about who this realist is, what kind of person he is. Some people consider such people to be boring and cold, unable to show emotions. At the same time, they are worthy leaders who confidently pursue goals. However, one cannot be so critical of realists, since they always have mixed character traits; their shortcomings are usually compensated for by other advantages.
Optimist (positivikus)
Found on all continents of our planet and represented by three species
1. Man is a holiday (homos veselchakus)
This is a person with a cheerful, mischievous character who prefers not to bother himself with serious problems, and smoothes out difficult moments with humor. It’s quite funny to communicate with such people, but it’s impossible to talk seriously.
2. Man is hope (homos nadezhdikus)
This optimist prefers to hope for good things to happen in life and does not like to imagine other options. He is not as sure that everything will be fine as other optimists, but he expects only good things, discarding thoughts that interfere with this.
3. “Incorrigible” optimist (positivikus bez variantikus)
This is a person with strong convictions, a positive outlook on the future and seeing the good in almost everything. It differs from the previous two in that its optimism is conscious and supported by principles and outlook on life.
