A political mentor can convert an uncompromising idealist into a pragmatic operative
Evidence
Under Belle Moskowitz’s tutelage, Bob Moses had changed from an uncompromising idealist to a man willing to deal with practical considerations; now the alteration had become more drastic. Under her tutelage, he had been learning the politicians’ way; now he almost seemed to have joined their ranks. — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 595
Categorization
- XREF: Parallels the corruption-through-pragmatism arc themes in other political biographies and ‘The Power Broker’ as a whole; echoes how mentors reshape proteges’ values. — connects to: Young reformist heirs won legitimacy through mentorship by reliable old elites. — Anna M. Grzymala-Busse, Redeeming The Communist Past: The…, 344; Falling under a powerful mentor’s spell shifts a reformer’s focus from issues to maneuvers — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the…, 586; Elite skill and pragmatism, not ideology, drove successful party transformation. (+6 more)
Broader Connections
- Elite skill and pragmatism, not ideology, drove successful party transformation.
#epitomizes(0.85) - Proximity to a skilled boss transmits political craft invisibly
#corroborates(0.85) - A sense of personal grievance can turn a quiet gentleman into a political fighter
#epitomizes(0.80) — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 818 - A hardened militant can reverse course into an informer and peace advocate
#epitomizes(0.80) - Strategic concealment of one’s growing competence can preserve political leverage
#complicates(0.75) — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 527 - Failed idealism converts reformers into concealment-driven operators
#complicates(0.75) — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker, 769 - Understanding politics fully requires expertise in psychology
#expands(0.72) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 91