One reason many politicians behave badly these days is that we spend less time thinking about what it means to behave well. This was less of a problem in past centuries when leaders, teachers and clergy held detailed debates over what it meant to have good character.
In the 18th century, for example, Edmund Burke composed a long, famous passage defining the standards of political excellence. In the 19th century, Anthony Trollope wrote a series of popular novels fussing over what it means to behave well in political life. Trollope’s view was different than ours. Many Americans today assume that people are born with a good Inner Self but get corrupted by politics. American voters are always looking for the Innocent Outsider who can come in and bring sweeping change.
Trollope admired Prudent Insiders, not Innocent Outsiders. His most admirable characters have been educated by long experience. They have grown mature by exercising responsibility. They have been e
A. are born of humble or modest origins
B. have the intention of making themselves famous
C. often make things worse when they engage in reforms
D. do not embrace radical political changes
One reason many politicians behave badly these days is that we spend less time thinking about what it means to behave well. This was less of a problem in past centuries when leaders, teachers and clergy held detailed debates over what it meant to have good character.
In the 18th century, for example, Edmund Burke composed a long, famous passage defining the standards of political excellence. In the 19th century, Anthony Trollope wrote a series of popular novels fussing over what it means to behave well in political life. Trollope’s view was different than ours. Many Americans today assume that people are born with a good Inner Self but get corrupted by politics. American voters are always looking for the Innocent Outsider who can come in and bring sweeping change.
Trollope admired Prudent Insiders, not Innocent Outsiders. His most admirable characters have been educated by long experience. They have grown mature by exercising responsibility. They have been e
A. the modern silence on what good behavior is leads to its decline
B. moral standards in the 19th century were different from modern standards
C. American voters are less confident of their choice of political leaders
D. lack of responsibility is what is wrong with modern politicians
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