"Youthful idealism" an evolutionary trait?

It is often said that Idealism is just a characteristic of youth, where 'wisdom' and life experience is lacking.

The dictionary definition is:

i·de·al·ism    [ahy-dee-uh-liz-uhm]
noun
1. the cherishing or pursuit of high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.

But for this instance lets define it as, "The pursuit of political, social, environmental change and betterment; perhaps through methods deemed unattainable or unrealistic especially in the current system and/or economy".



I am sure you have all heard this be called 'youthful'.

But could this idealism be a modern version of evolutionary traits which drive us to better our environment, if not for ourselves for the betterment of our species and future generations.

It would make sense for this to be a part of our psyche, even tho today as much as people may try converting that idealism into a successful product is becoming ever harder.

We can see animals who help other animals, teach other animals, predators that only target the week as to keep their prey's species stable etc...


Is this something that we should nurture? Perhaps even try and advance through education?

Originally posted by HumanCondition
It is often said that Idealism is just a characteristic of youth, where 'wisdom' and life experience is lacking.

The dictionary definition is:

i·de·al·ism    [ahy-dee-uh-liz-uhm]
noun
1. the cherishing or pursuit of high or noble principles, purposes, goals, etc.

But for this instance lets define it as, "The pursuit of political, social, environmental change and betterment; perhaps through methods deemed unattainable or unrealistic especially in the current system and/or economy".



I am sure you have all heard this be called 'youthful'.

But could this idealism be a modern version of evolutionary traits which drive us to better our environment, if not for ourselves for the betterment of our species and future generations.

It would make sense for this to be a part of our psyche, even tho today as much as people may try converting that idealism into a successful product is becoming ever harder.

We can see animals who help other animals, teach other animals, predators that only target the week as to keep their prey's species stable etc...


Is this something that we should nurture? Perhaps even try and advance through education?

I think your statement, "But for this instance lets define it as, "The pursuit of political, social, environmental change and betterment; perhaps through methods deemed unattainable or unrealistic especially in the current system and/or economy," exemplifies the human tendency to disregard accepted authority and substitute personal whim and fancy. One does not need to be youthful to engage in this behavior.

reply to post by HumanCondition


I don't see it as an evolutionary trait. Idealism is easy before the world has the chance to beat the snot out of you.

I think that's the extent of it, though I do find your theory interesting nonetheless.

reply to post by totallackey

I think your statement, "But for this instance lets define it as, "The pursuit of political, social, environmental change and betterment; perhaps through methods deemed unattainable or unrealistic especially in the current system and/or economy," exemplifies the human tendency to disregard accepted authority and substitute personal whim and fancy. One does not need to be youthful to engage in this behavior.

I agree this can be a part but the two are not exclusive, idealism can revolve around other issues.

I would have to assume that resistance to being controlled is another evolutionary trait.

Originally posted by Osiris1953
reply to post by HumanCondition

 

I don't see it as an evolutionary trait. Idealism is easy before the world has the chance to beat the snot out of you.

I think that's the extent of it, though I do find your theory interesting nonetheless.

Yeah but if you think about it in terms of the animal kingdom, older animals often look out only for themselves where they would have directly looked out for others in the past.
Also I find it funny that for a lot of people this idealism runs out exactly around the time where they would have been dead, if not for modern science and medicine.

People these days think everything is an evolutionary trait. I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, but it seems like every action and decision a human being makes "must boil down to an evolutionary trait".

Ever consider that some people just want to see the world become a better place for all its inhabitants?