For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword.

I've been reading through The Federalist Papers written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay in 1787. I've come across some thoughts that are just as timely now as they were when first written. I will be sharing some of these in this post and some upcoming posts as well.

Here are some great thoughts from The Federalist No. 1: "...we are not always sure that those who advocate the truth are influenced by purer principles than their antagonists. Ambition, avarice, personal animosity, party opposition, and many other motives not more laudable than these, are apt to operate as well upon those who support as those who oppose the right side of a question. Were there not even these inducements to moderation, nothing could be more ill-judged than that intolerant spirit which has, at all times, characterized political parties. For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword."

When I first read this it made me think of the talking heads and pundits that try so hard to convince us about a position, a party or a politician. Woe on you if you don't drink the kool-aid they offer. No one should hold a position on an issue or hold to a principle as true just because it is the party line. Truth is truth no matter how many are against it and wrong is wrong no matter how many are for it.