Many people use "politics" as a dirty word. That's understandable.
However, I try to remember that politics is the process of getting and using power without violence. In this way, politics is both a practice and a tool. Let this soak in.
Once you realize that politics is about dealing with conflict in some context without violence, you can at least grant that it is better than punching someone in the face.
To generalize, you might say that politics is a game you have to play. Perhaps call it a necessary evil. But the framing is somewhat arbitrary. I'd rather say that using power wisely and justly is a moral and ethical requirement. To do otherwise would be to abdicate responsibility and squander your power.
It is curious that the so-called sausage-making of politics is considered to be unsavory. It is certainly a mix of sometimes inconsistent ideas.
But it seems likely that uneasy compromise tends to be better than an imposed set of consistent doctrines. Or not... stay tuned.
However, I try to remember that politics is the process of getting and using power without violence. In this way, politics is both a practice and a tool. Let this soak in.
Once you realize that politics is about dealing with conflict in some context without violence, you can at least grant that it is better than punching someone in the face.
To generalize, you might say that politics is a game you have to play. Perhaps call it a necessary evil. But the framing is somewhat arbitrary. I'd rather say that using power wisely and justly is a moral and ethical requirement. To do otherwise would be to abdicate responsibility and squander your power.
It is curious that the so-called sausage-making of politics is considered to be unsavory. It is certainly a mix of sometimes inconsistent ideas.
But it seems likely that uneasy compromise tends to be better than an imposed set of consistent doctrines. Or not... stay tuned.