Quote By Henry Kissinger

Moderation is a virtue only in those who are thought to have an alternative.

Former US Secretary Of State And National Security Advisor

Born: May 27, 1923

Died: November 29, 2023

Henry Kissinger, Nobel laureate and former U.S. Secretary of State, played a key role in shaping 20th-century diplomacy with a realpolitik approach.

Explanation Of The Quote

This quote challenges the virtue of moderation, suggesting that it may only be deemed virtuous when there are perceived alternatives. It implies that moderation is relative to circumstances and choices.

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A country that demands moral perfection in its foreign policy will achieve neither perfection nor security.