In "The Republic of Imagination," Azar Nafisi discusses the contrasting approaches of pragmatists and dreamers. She suggests that pragmatists, while grounded in reality, can become overly attached to their beliefs or pursuits, leading to deep disillusionment when these hopes fail. This intense investment in their ideals sometimes leaves them vulnerable to disappointment, indicating a lack of self-protection mechanisms.

On the other hand, dreamers, who often embrace idealism, are more adept at coping with disillusionment when their dreams do not materialize. This resilience equips them to navigate the harsh truths of reality better than pragmatists, who may struggle to recover from their fall. Ultimately, Nafisi highlights the importance of balancing aspiration with the wisdom of acceptance.