“Idealism is the assertion that we have an absolute finite knowledge of the infinite whereas realism professes that the infinite is known to us only relatively and therefore must remain always a mystery to us”
— Immanuel Kant
Simplified Meaning:
Idealism is the belief that we can fully understand everything, including things that may seem impossible to know or measure. For example, someone might believe they can understand every detail about the universe, from the tiniest atom to the farthest star, claiming they have all the answers. On the other hand, realism is the idea that there are things in the universe that we can't ever fully understand. A realist might look at the vastness of space and admit that, while we can know some things about it, there will always be parts that remain unknown or mysterious to us. In everyday life, imagine two people looking at a beautiful sunset. The idealist might confidently claim they understand everything about the science behind it and the feelings it can invoke. The realist, however, would appreciate the sunset but also acknowledge that there are aspects about its beauty and impact that science and words can't fully capture. Applying this idea, it's important for us to recognize our limits in knowledge, stay curious, and accept that some things in life will always have an element of mystery. This can help keep us humble and open-minded.