Realism, the opposite of Idealism, is the road to hell itself. The correct way is through the middle path of these two.

I distinguish the middle path from centrism, because centrism is a cynical attempt to find a middle point that opposing sides will find pleasing.

No, the middle path is not found solely in the the opinions of others. It is found by considering results, by avoiding the worst outcome and maintaining faith, but mostly by seeing that when there is enough doubt, you can always lean towards the good.