I love many realists but very strongly resist the notion…

I realize that after decades of positive thinking the notion of realism, of things as they are, may seem a little quaint. ... When…

— Barbara Ehrenreich

I don't believe in the deplorable notion of realism in the cinema: you can over-reach it, and it becomes as false as convention.

— Peter Greenaway

When people have given up on happiness they call themselves 'realists.'

— Marty Rubin

For the first time in American history, men in authority are talking about an 'emergency' without a foreseeable end... such men as these are…

— C. Wright Mills

Realists do not fear the results of their study.

— Fyodor Dostoevsky

What reality was ever made by realists?

— Richard Flanagan

I believe that history is not made by cynics; it is made by realists who are not afraid to dream. Let us be these…

— Tzipi Livni

The number of realists who are betting that both the 'economy gets healthy soon' and this government gets spending under control is a tiny…

— Bob Beauprez

Realists are, as a rule, only men in the rut of routine who are incapable of transcending a narrow circle of antiquated notions.

— Theodor Herzl

Some who call themselves realists question whether the spread of democracy in the Middle East should be any concern of ours. But the realists…

— George W. Bush

When I was starting out, science fiction was a little genre over there, which only a few people read. But now -- where are…

— Doris Lessing

“I’m a realist,” I replied stubbornly, “not a romantic. Romantics are always disappointed.” “Maybe they’re disappointed because they’re always surrounded by realists.” Simon countered.”

— Amanda Howells

For what reason then do the realists show themselves so unfriendly toward philosophy? Because they misunderstand their own calling and with all their might…

— Max Stirner

I was staying at the Konchucos Tambo lodge, next to the Huascaran national park, near Chavin. Sitting here on its veranda, I was beginning…

— Mark Barrowcliffe

Sooner or later, many idealists transform themselves into disheartened realists who mistakenly believe that giving up is the same thing as being realistic.

— Seth Godin