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Idealism? No: creativity.

I used to think I was a realist. Santa didn't exist, friends wouldn't last, and money meant success. But sometime between my childhood and now, this cynicism turned into idealism. While I am yet to believe that there exists a man with a belly too large to fit a chimney and can travel the world in a single night, now, I reject these remaining "universal truths." Call me an idealist, but I prefer to think of myself as a creator of possibilities.

One of my greatest ideals lies in people. Although the infamous Golden Rule--treat others the way you want to be treated--was one I never believed in, I subconsciously started applying it to my relationships more recently. Because I surround myself with people whose presence I genuinely enjoy, doubts about whether they feel the same for me never occur. Why should I doubt their actions and intentions? Of course, many friendships fail as a result of a variety of seemingly uncontrollable factors. But, what friendship would succeed when even its involved parties don't believe in it? (Beyond friendships, do prenups set a precursor for divorce? I'll figure that out in fifteen years.)

The other is in the world. Yes, I am aware of the millions of political, social, and economical flaws that hold us back from complete peace; but to think that our regression toward Earth's destruction cannot be reversed is cowardly. Why not pursue net zero emissions? This simple question leads me to doubt and simultaneous reaffirmation: A couple weeks ago I told my uncle that I want to major in Urban Studies. And in response, he told me he would add me to his will. As much as I worry that I won't be able to afford the lifestyle I dream of with whatever job Urban Studies can get me, I know this lifestyle would much better match my expectations if the globe didn't lie in ruins. 

Looking back on who I was as a child, I realize that I wasn't a realist, but a pessimist. Why give up on the best by labeling dreams as unattainable?

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