At the most basic level, I value people who get off their ass and DO something more than people who aren’t doing anything at all.

At the second level, sometimes what you’re doing isn’t really making very much of a difference, and sometimes what you think is a positive difference could actually be making things worse.

If you’re doing something stubbornly without checking to see if you might be doing more harm then good, then you’re technically worse than the bum who does nothing- but for the most part I think once you get off your ass, you’d be relatively willing to do things better- and that’s what counts.

So I think the best way is to start doing something, and then constantly evaluate yourself and your actions and ask yourself if what you’re doing is making a difference- and then keep adapting and evolving from there, and eventually create a system where you aren’t the vital cog- so that you can leave it, and it keeps functioning.

I think everyone ought to strive for a balance of both idealism and pragmatism- you have to nourish both the stomach and the soul. I’d be constantly a little anxious and wary if I left out one or the other.