An idealist believes the short run doesn't count. A cynic believes the long run doesn't matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run determines the long run.

Summary

This quote highlights the different perspectives regarding the significance of the short and long term. The idealist emphasizes that the short-term actions have little importance compared to the long-term goals and ideals. Conversely, the cynic discounts the value of long-term consequences, focusing solely on immediate outcomes. In contrast, the realist acknowledges the significance of both short and long term, understanding that the choices made in the present ultimately shape the future. They recognize that prudent actions taken or neglected in the short run have a substantial impact on the long-term outcomes and are therefore crucial to consider.

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