Pragmatic Idealists Gifts

Lame Childhood Dreams

Drive-thru Church

"It's really important to me, as an artist, to make you feel like drinking more than usual so I get hired back."

'Idealist'

The Clinton Campaign, post-mid-September

On John Lennon: 'WE may say he's a dreamer,...but he's not the only one.'

'Love gets the credit, but business makes the world go round.'

"Will you sign a legally binding contract to get the state involved if you ever decide to leave me?"

"I call it the The Power of Positive Pessimism. Knowing full well that most of the things I try almost always end in disaster, yet somehow finding enjoyment in every step of the process. It works for me!"

George Santayana

'Thanks, but no. It just doesn't add up.'

"...I thought I was too smart, too idealistic to end up this way, but LOOK at me! I've become an entrenched bureaucrat!"

Put it in writing!

"Students always think that they're going to change the world..."

"Let's run away and make a new life for ourselves filled with completely different problems."

'Do you think there's anything after death?'

"But dear, after discussing the company's lofty ideals and goals, it seemed petty to discuss my salary."

Half full. Optimist. Half empty. Pessimist. Pragmatist.

'Cute girl from philosophy. . . BBQ at Dave's. I wonder if she's going?. . . Flat meeting to talk about me not doing my share.'

"The main, unchangeable principal that I use in life is to be pragmatic."

"OK, let's go to contract."

"Kids and grand kids squared away forever ago. All set with money. No energy for a whole court thing. So-o-o... maybe you just die?" "Whatever makes you happy, sweet cheeks."

Great Expectations - Managing Expectations

"You know what I think, folks? Improving technology isn't important. Increased profits aren't important. What's important is to be warm, decent human beings."

'Have ideals, fine - bit never let them cloud your business judgement.'

Sad Statue of Liberty

"It's a troubling ethical dilemma."

The Pee and Pray - for today's busy Christian.

"Make the world a better place. If not that, then make lots of money so we can stay above it all."

'Well, he always said he wanted the biggest damn desk in the city.'

"Rememeber Son, money can't buy happiness, but it pays for a lot of anti-depressants"

"What this place needs is a hydro-electric dam" "A glass of water would be nice"

"Your present state is caused by a hypersensitivity to existentialist thought. I'm recommending mega-doses of pragmatism as a therapeutic counteractive."

'It happens.'

"Always remain honest. Failing that, always remain solvent so you can afford a good lawyer."