Art of the Possible – Meaning & Example Sentences

“Art of the possible” is a fascinating, interesting phrase, but it’s also one that might be somewhat confusing if you don’t know what it means. In order for you to properly understand what it means, this article is going to explain its meaning and give you some example sentences

Art of the Possible – Meaning

“Art of the possible ” is a phrase that refers to the concept that ideals are all well and good, but in the end, what you can actually accomplish is what matters the most, far beyond any ideals or concepts. The phrase is most commonly associated with politics.

art of the possible meaning

The “art of the possible” is, therefore, a phrase that can be applied to the idea of preventing perfectionism, that itch that tells you to focus on perfection over actual possibilities.

If something is an “art of the possible”, then it stands to reason that it’s a field in which you ought to focus on what you can actually get done over any ideals of perfection.

How to Use “Art of the Possible” in a Sentence

The phrase “art of the possible ” is actually fairly applicable to several situations in life, and is therefore a phrase worth learning about. Here, we’ve crafted several example sentences that will help you learn how to use “art of the possible” in context:

  1. You have to view your art as an art of the possible, or else you will never finish it.
  2. Politics is an art of the possible, what matters is what you can actually get done over all else.
  3. I think of this company as performing the art of the possible, because we’re not all talk.
  4. Thinking about what is and isn’t an art of the possible is a very valuable experience for life.
  5. When you look at the art of the possible, you see that some things can actually be done.
  6. It’s an art of the possible, you can’t keep promising things you can’t actually do in time.
  7. Talking with management is an art of the possible, just keep things realistic above all else.

Art of the Possible – Origin

While we don’t know who said “art of the possible” first, we do know that it comes from the idea of “realpolitik”, which is a philosophy that focuses on actually being able to accomplish your goals, instead of crafting dedicated ideals that are deep and elaborate.

Art of the Possible – Synonyms

“Art of the possible” is an expression that refers to the idea that, in some spaces, you should worry more about what’s possible above what the best scenario would do. This sentiment of valuing realism can be expressed in different ways, and here are some of them:

  • Game of realism
  • Competition of feasibility
  • Treading what’s possible and what’s ideal
  • Magic of what’s possible

Correct Ways to Say “Art of the Possible”

“Art of the possible” is a phrase that is normally applied to a lot of different situations in which what’s feasible and realistic is the most important factor. There are different ways in which you can say “art of the possible”, and here are some of these phrasings:

  • The art of what’s possible
  • The art of possibilities
  • The art of the feasible
  • The possible art

Incorrect Ways to Use “Art of the Possible”

Because it’s such a unique way, many people use “art of the possible” in an incorrect way. An example of an incorrect way to use “art of the possible” is when people use it to talk about the different randomized outcomes that a situation can end up in.

The “possible” in “art of the possible” refers to the opposite of something that is “impossible” or not grounded, such as an ideal scenario or a dream. “Art of the possible” is more grounded.

Therefore, you shouldn’t use “art of the possible” to talk about outcomes that aren’t at least possible, and it’s not a phrase that should be used to speculate about things that are unrealistic and unfeasible.

In What Situations Can You Use “Art of the Possible”?

“Art of the possible” is a phrase that is precisely designed to talk about situations in which people get lost in their ideals, when instead they should be talking about what things are actually feasible and realistic. “Art of the possible” is mainly used to talk about politics.

When something is an “art of the possible”, that means that it’s more focused on what can actually be accomplished rather than what should happen in the best scenario.