The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics,that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself.As cited in Losing Legitimacy: Street Crime and the Decline of Social Institutions in America by Gary LaFree 1998 : Moynihan is quoted in an article that appeared in Mickey Kaus, The Work Ethic State, The New Republic (1986) July 7:22-33, 23; Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Family and Nation: The Godkin Lectures (San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1986).

Summary

This quote suggests that conservatives believe that the success of a society is determined by its culture, rather than politics. On the other hand, liberals argue that politics can change a culture and rescue it from its own downfall. This viewpoint implies that conservatives prioritize maintaining traditional cultural values, while liberals believe in the transformative power of political action to shape and improve society. The quote highlights the different perspectives on the role of culture and politics in determining the trajectory of a society.

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