Quixotic
Describes idealistic but impractical pursuits, inspired by impossible dreams like Don Quixote.
Also known as: Don Quixotic
Category: Principles
Tags: vocabularies, literatures, idealism, philosophies, cultures
Explanation
Quixotic (pronounced kwik-SOT-ik) describes something exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical. The term is derived from the character Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes' novel 'Don Quixote' (1605/1615), who famously tilted at windmills believing them to be giants.
Meaning and Usage:
A quixotic endeavor is one that:
- Pursues lofty, noble ideals
- Is impractical or impossible to achieve
- Ignores realistic constraints
- May seem foolish to pragmatic observers
- Often reflects romantic idealism over rationality
Connotations:
The term can be used:
- Positively: Praising someone's idealistic spirit and refusal to accept cynical reality
- Negatively: Criticizing impractical, foolish pursuits that waste resources
- Neutrally: Simply describing unrealistic but well-intentioned efforts
Examples:
- 'His quixotic campaign to reform the entire industry single-handedly'
- 'A quixotic quest to achieve perfection in an imperfect world'
- 'Her quixotic belief that pure kindness could change hardened criminals'
Related Concepts:
- Idealism vs. pragmatism
- Romantic heroism
- Noble failure
- 'Tilting at windmills' (attacking imaginary enemies)
Cultural Significance:
Don Quixote itself explores the tension between idealism and reality, making 'quixotic' a rich term that captures both the admirable nature of high ideals and the danger of losing touch with reality. The character is both foolish and noble - and so is quixotic behavior.
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