--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Activists measure progress against the…" description: "\"Activists measure progress against the standard of perfection, or at least the most perfect possible choice. Historians gauge progress against what cam..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30a/jonathan-chait-14941_activist_activists-measure-progress-against-the-s_1390495.png" --- # Activists measure progress against the standard of… ![“Activists measure progress against the standard of perfection, or at least the most perfect possible choice. Historians gauge progress against what came before it.” quote by Jonathan Chait](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30a/jonathan-chait-14941_activist_activists-measure-progress-against-the-s_1390495.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30a/jonathan-chait-14941_activist_activists-measure-progress-against-the-s_1390495.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/30a/jonathan-chait-14941_activist_activists-measure-progress-against-the-s_1390495.png) > “Activists measure progress against the standard of perfection, or at least the most perfect possible choice. Historians gauge progress against what came before it.” [Jonathan Chait](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-chait/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Activists compare outcomes to an ideal, while historians compare them to prior states, highlighting different benchmarks for progress. **In simple terms:** Activists use perfection; historians use history. Key Takeaway Recognize both ideal and historical standards. Themes progress comparison ideals history Mood analytical critical thoughtful Type observational analytical reflective When to use this quote - policy evaluation - social movements - historical research - education - media analysis Key Concepts benchmarking normative analysis Questions to Reflect On - How do you choose which benchmark to apply? - What are the risks of chasing perfection? A Different Perspective Ideal standards may be unattainable, limiting practical assessment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Activist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/activist/) [Activists Measure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/activists-measure-4845057/) [Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/) [Gauge Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gauge-progress-4845060/) [Gauges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gauges/) [Historian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/historian/) [Historians Gauge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/historians-gauge-4845059/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Measure Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/measure-progress-475639/) [Perfect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfect/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Progress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress/) [Progress Standard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/progress-standard-4845058/) [Standards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/standards/) ## Related quotes > [“How to measure progress has never been satisfactorily answered. 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