Ideology Quote by Joseph A. Schumpeter
““Please do not think that I am accusing socialists of insincerity or that I wish to hold them up to scorn either as bad democrats or as unprincipled schemers and opportunists. I fully believe, in spite of the childish Machiavellism in which some of their prophets indulge, that fundamentally most of them always have been as sincere in their professions as any other men. Besides, I do not believe in insincerity in social strife, for people always come to think what they want to think and what they incessantly profess. As regards democracy, socialist parties are presumably no more opportunists than are any others; they simply espouse democracy if, as, and when it serves their ideals and interests and not otherwise. Lest readers should be shocked and think so immoral a view worthy only of the most callous of political practitioners, ...””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays on Economic Theory, 1959
Socialist parties often claim democratic ideals for strategic reasons, yet many members act sincerely in their convictions.
In simple terms: Socialists may be sincere but also pragmatic.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both sincerity and strategic motives.
Themes
politics
ideology
democracy
strategy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting decisions
- policy analysis
- political discourse
Key Concepts
political pragmatism
ethical consistency
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess political sincerity?
- When is strategic alignment acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Sincerity can be hard to verify.
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