“Idealism increases in direct proportion to one's distance from the problem”
— John Galsworthy
Simplified Meaning:
When people are far away from a problem, they tend to have simpler and more perfect ideas about how to solve it. They might say things like, "If everyone just worked harder, we wouldn't have poverty," without understanding all the details and difficulties involved. Imagine a person who lives in a wealthy neighborhood and says that homelessness could be fixed if everyone just found a job. This person doesn't see the real challenges homeless people face, like mental health issues or lack of access to basic needs. Because they are not close to the problem, their solution seems easier and more idealistic. In real life, being closer to a problem often means understanding its complexity. For example, doctors know that curing a disease is not just about giving medicine but also about lifestyle, environment, and resources. To apply this to your life, try to understand the issues deeply before suggesting solutions. Listen to people who are dealing with the problem and learn from their experiences. This will help you offer more practical and realistic help.