When they come downstairs from their Ivory Towers, idealists are very apt to walk straight into the gutter.

Summary

This quote suggests that idealists, who often have noble and high-minded aspirations, can be prone to disappointment and disillusionment when confronted with the harsh realities of the world. When they abandon their abstract theories and face the complexities and challenges of life, they may fall into despair or compromise their principles, descending from their abstract "Ivory Towers" to the messy realities of the "gutter" below. It highlights the contrast between idealistic ideals and the pragmatic compromises people often face in their pursuit of change and progress.

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