A wonderful article I really enjoyed.
I think all progress comes from defying realism and is realized by dreamers who find the courage to act on their dreams, not allowing the "realistic" masses to pull them down to their vegetating level.
Hellmut Schmitt, one of the German chancellors once said
"People with visions should go see the doctor."
which I actually find quite funny, but it is also a fitting explanation of the politicians´dilemma. Very few have real visions, dreams for a better future, they are just the administrators of the status quo and actually opposed to real change and magic because that would mean their demise.