"Idealism springs from deep feelings, but feelings are nothing without the formulated idea that keeps them whole"

In this quote, Jacques Barzun recommends that idealism is rooted in strong emotions, but those feelings alone are not enough to sustain it. He argues that without a strong and articulated idea, those feelings will eventually dissipate and lose their power. Simply put, while emotions might be the driving force behind idealism, it is the intellectual framework that offers it substance and coherence. This quote highlights the significance of important thinking and rationality in shaping our beliefs and worths. It also recommends that true idealism requires a balance between passion and factor, which without a strong foundation of concepts, our perfects might be fleeting and ultimately ineffective.