The key insight from the snip is the importance of staying in touch with reality while seeking solutions for social problems. The speaker highlights the shift from being a neo-conservative to stressing the need for caring about people and finding practical solutions. They emphasize the value of not writing off individuals in need, particularly those in marginalized communities, and the necessity of actively seeking ways to help them. The speaker portrays this approach as a reflection of decency rather than being driven by idealism.