quixotism
Noble but futile
Quixotism is the pursuit of lofty but impractical ideals, especially with romantic or naive enthusiasm.
The term derives from Don Quixote, Cervantes's deluded knight who tilted at windmills.
A quixotism might be a doomed crusade or an unrealistic scheme undertaken with noble intentions: His plan to reform the entire system through sheer optimism was pure quixotism.
Impractically perfect in conception
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- idealistPursuer of noble principles
- dreamerOne given to fantasies
- nobleTitled or virtuous
romantic idealism · aspirational · altruism · optimism · philanthropy · humanitarianism · principled · ethics
Lacking basis in reality
- impracticalNot suited for use
- fancifulImaginatively unrealistic
- naiveInnocently unsuspecting
- unworkableImpossible to execute
foolhardy · delusional · absurd · impossible · infeasible · unattainable · overambitious · starry-eyed
Courage, especially in combat
- knighthoodHonorary title of nobility
- valorCourage in danger
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
- nobilityTitled ruling class
heroism · honor · virtue · code of honor · protector · champion · defender · damsel
Persistent mental attachment
- monomaniaFixation on single idea
- idée fixePersistent dominating thought
- single-mindednessExclusive focus on purpose
- fanaticismObsessive, unreasoning dedication
zeal · fervor · dedication · persistence · unwavering · dogged · stubborn · relentless
utopian
Impractically perfect in conception
- visionaryImaginative planner of futures
- idealistPursuer of noble principles
- dreamerOne given to fantasies
noble · romantic idealism · aspirational · altruism · optimism · philanthropy · humanitarianism · principled · ethics · benevolence
unrealistic
Lacking basis in reality
- impracticalNot suited for use
- fancifulImaginatively unrealistic
- naiveInnocently unsuspecting
unworkable · foolhardy · delusional · absurd · impossible · infeasible · unattainable · overambitious · starry-eyed · head in clouds
gallantry
Courage, especially in combat
- knighthoodHonorary title of nobility
- valorCourage in danger
- courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior
nobility · heroism · honor · virtue · code of honor · protector · champion · defender · damsel · quest
fixation
Persistent mental attachment
- monomaniaFixation on single idea
- idée fixePersistent dominating thought
- single-mindednessExclusive focus on purpose
fanaticism · zeal · fervor · dedication · persistence · unwavering · dogged · stubborn · relentless · possessed
- CervantesMiguel de Cervantes, Sancho Panza, Cervantes, Rocinante, La Mancha
quixotismpragmatism
Practical problem-solving philosophy
practicality · realism · hardheadedness · utilitarianism · expediency
quixotismclear-sightedness
Accurate perception of reality
soberness · disillusionment · lucidity · skepticism · disenchantment
quixotismcynicism
Distrust of human sincerity
worldliness · shrewdness · Machiavellianism · self-interest · opportunism