Volume 22, Number 1 · February 6, 1975
Looking for "Reality"
By Sheldon S. Wolin
The Real America: A Surprising Examination of the State of the Union
by Ben J. Wattenberg
Doubleday, 367 pp., $10.00
Phrases such as 'political realities,' 'the real world,' 'the facts of political life,' and Realpolitik are part of the natural language of politicians and their intimates. In the past, knowledge of political reality has proven elusive. Reality, as Marx noted, 'does not stalk about with a label.' Broadly speaking, before the nineteenth century, politicians addressed reality in a distinctive way, the way which, long ago, Aristotle had described as 'deliberation.' Deliberation signified the measured consideration of political problems and choices from as wide a range of viewpoints as was relevant. Kings deliberated with their councilors; ministers with their legislatures or parliaments; presidents with their cabinets; and political representatives with each other.
Review, 5038 words
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