Skip to content

You might think that after all the shameful capitulations…

“You might think that after all the shameful capitulations made by the government during the ups and downs of their negotiations with the maphia ... they could sink no lower. Alas, when one advances blindly across the boggy ground of realpolitik, when pragmatism takes up the baton and conducts the…” quote by José Saramago
Download Open image
““You might think that after all the shameful capitulations made by the government during the ups and downs of their negotiations with the maphia ... they could sink no lower. Alas, when one advances blindly across the boggy ground of realpolitik, when pragmatism takes up the baton and conducts the orchestra, ignoring what is written in the score, you can be pretty sure that, as the imperative logic of dishonor will show, there are still, after all, a few more steps to descend.””

José Saramago

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Blindly following pragmatic politics without ethical guidance leads to deeper moral decline.

In simple terms: Pragmatism without conscience deepens corruption.

Key Takeaway

Beware of sacrificing ethics for convenience.

Themes

politics ethics corruption pragmatism

Mood

cautious critical reflective

Type

advice philosophical warning

When to use this quote

  • government negotiations
  • policy making
  • leadership decisions
  • organizational culture

Key Concepts

moral philosophy realpolitik imperative logic

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance practicality with principle?
  • What signs indicate a slide into ethical compromise?
A Different Perspective

Even pragmatic actions can erode integrity if not checked by moral standards.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by José Saramago

Explore all 487 José Saramago quotes

More Politics quotes

Browse all 44,914 Politics quotes