ihanteet

Ihanteet is a Finnish noun in the plural form of ihanne. It refers to ideals or aims that people or groups strive toward, as well as to people who are admired as role models. The exact meaning depends on context: it can denote abstract standards of excellence, moral goals, or concrete individuals who serve as inspirations.

In everyday language, ihanteet are discussed as guiding principles for behavior, decision-making, and social norms. The singular ihanne can refer to either a personal goal or a person admired as an exemplary figure. The plural ihanteet often appears when listing several goals or models, for example in discussions about values in education, culture, or public life.

Common expressions include asettaa ihanteita (to set ideals), elää ihanteiden mukaan (to live by one’s ideals), and pitää jokin ihanteena (to regard something as an ideal). The related adjective ihanteellinen means ideal or perfect, and ihanteellisesti means ideally. Esikuva or malli are synonyms for a role model, while arvo or arvoja relate to broader values that may constitute ihanteet.

Ihanteet can be personal, such as family or individual aspirations, or societal, such as equality, freedom, or human rights. They may evolve over time as cultures, technologies, and circumstances change. Discussions about ihanteet often reflect ethical, political, and cultural debates about what should be valued and pursued in a community.