Ruthlessness in political life

Having stumbled across an interesting quote by Richard Hofstadter, I researched him a little bit. An interesting thinker. Lots of good quotes.

From The Age of Reform: from Bryan to F.D.R. by Richard Hofstadter.

It is possible that the distinction between moral relativism and moral absolutism has sometimes been blurred because an excessively consistent practice of either leads to the same practical result — ruthlessness in political life.

Amen. My preferred dictum is: Everything moderation, including moderation.