Political power Quote by Adelle Waldman
““Once she’d remarked, for example, that the problem, even for socialist countries, is that those people who are deeply committed to ideals of any sort are unlikely to hold power; political power goes to those who will do whatever needs to be done to amass it, for whom non-pragmatic ethical commitments don’t much register.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Idealistic people rarely achieve political power because power favors pragmatic, self‑serving actors over principled ones.
In simple terms: Idealists rarely get power; pragmatists do.
Key Takeaway
Balance ideals with practical action.
Themes
politics
idealism
pragmatism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analysis
philosophical
When to use this quote
- campaigns
- activism
- policy making
- career advancement
Key Concepts
power structures
ethics
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- Can idealism coexist with effective leadership?
- How to stay principled while being pragmatic?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can be a liability in power struggles.
