Beauty Quote by Robert Gilpin
““This is not to say that power and security are the sole or even the most important objectives of mankind; as a species we prize beauty, truth, and goodness. . . . What the realist seeks to stress is that all these more noble goals will be lost unless one makes provision for one’s security in the power struggle among social groups. . . . A moral commitment lies at the heart of realism. . . . What Morgenthau and many other realists have in common is a belief that ethical and political behavior will fail unless it takes into account the actual practice of states and the teachings of sound theory.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Politics Among Nations, 7th ed., 2014
Realism argues that security and power are prerequisites for achieving higher moral goals like beauty, truth, and goodness, because without security those goals cannot be sustained.
In simple terms: Security is needed to protect higher values.
Key Takeaway
Ensure safety before pursuing ideals.
Themes
realism
security
ethics
politics
Mood
cautious
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
academic
When to use this quote
- international negotiations
- defense policy
- human rights advocacy
- environmental treaties
Key Concepts
power dynamics
ethical pragmatism
state behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance security with moral aspirations?
- What safeguards prevent power from corrupting noble goals?
A Different Perspective
Security alone cannot guarantee moral outcomes; power can be misused.
