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Single Idea 22258

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 4. Changing the State / c. Revolution ]

Full Idea

Progress demands passions that cannot last for long.

Gist of Idea

Passion for progress is always short-lived

Source

Michael J. Sandel (Beyond Individualism [1988], p.35)

Book Ref

Sandel,Michael J.: 'Public Philosophy: Essays' [Harvard 2005], p.35

A Reaction

The obvious example, for me, is the Labour Government in the UK, 1945-51. This is the kind of realism which progressive politicians must face up to. Unfortunately it is the logic of very ruthless revolutionaries.

The 3 ideas from 'Beyond Individualism'

22258 Passion for progress is always short-lived [Sandel]
22259 Conservatives are either individualistic, or communal [Sandel]
22260 Modern liberalism fails to articulate a vision of the common good [Sandel]