Compromises and evaluating outcomes

This isn't response to any specific thing. Just thinking aloud.

I think one of the things that drives a lot of us crazy is the gulf between what is and what we think ought to be. It's driven me stark raving mad on several occasions. But, I think in our more pragmatic, less ideological moments, we can appreciate that progress is measured not just against ideals, but against alternative outcomes. I still struggle mightily with this, but the more I consider it, the more I feel it's healthy and, long-term, more productive.

We may not always be able to face the clear choice between pure and corrupted processes or outcomes. Instead, we might have to content ourselves with probabilistic arguments about choices and outcomes that are superior to alternatives.

This is NOT an endorsement of nihilism/fatalism. A case-based strategic evaluation of a lot of problems is still vital for overcoming external and internal problems. But it might be a willingness to explore, and at some point, more fully articulate the need to stop smashing against the glass wall standing between the present and unrealistic dreams.