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It is foolish to view realism and idealism as incompatible or to consider our power and wealth as encumbered by the demands of justice, morality, and conscience.
John Mccain
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Realism and idealism can coexist, and justice should not hinder our progress.

In this quote, John McCain suggests that viewing realism and idealism as opposing forces is a misguided perspective. He emphasizes that our ambitions for power and wealth should not come at the expense of justice, morality, and conscience, as these values should complement our pursuits rather than impede them.

Themes

RealismIdealismJusticeMoralityConscience

In practice

Example use cases

During a political debate on the importance of balancing ethics with economic policies.

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I appreciate our government's determination to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the Bytyqi brothers, which Serbia's Interior Minister has rightly called 'an exceptionally serious crime,' and hope the Serbian government's pledge of full cooperation... is matched by a final accounting of their murder.
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What is most troubling about Mr. Putin's aggression in Crimea is that it reflects a growing disregard for America's credibility in the world. That has emboldened other aggressive actors - from Chinese nationalists to Al Qaeda terrorists and Iranian theocrats.
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