Skip to content

A rational man acting in the real world may be defined as…

“A rational man acting in the real world may be defined as one who decides where he will strike a balance between what he desires and what can be done.” quote by Walter Lippmann
Download Open image
“A rational man acting in the real world may be defined as one who decides where he will strike a balance between what he desires and what can be done.”

Walter Lippmann

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A rational person balances desires with realistic possibilities.

In simple terms: Balance wants with what’s feasible.

Key Takeaway

Seek practical compromises.

Themes

rationality balance realism

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • policy making
  • personal budgeting

Key Concepts

decision theory pragmatism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify realistic limits?
  • When should desire outweigh practicality?
A Different Perspective

May ignore emotional motivations.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Walter Lippmann

Explore all 296 Walter Lippmann quotes

More Acting quotes

Browse all 12,062 Acting quotes