In his book "Kissinger: Volume I: The Idealist, 1923-1968," Niall Ferguson comments on the nature of moral principles in professional environments. He suggests that individuals often profess high moral standards when such stances align with low-risk strategies. This observation implies that the declaration of ethics is sometimes more about personal safety or career preservation than genuine conviction. Ferguson’s critique prompts a reflection on the authenticity of ethical claims, raising the question of whether such professions are truly principled or merely opportunistic. The idea is that real moral integrity would ideally come with the willingness to face greater risks, rather than seek the safest path, which undermines the credibility of those high ideals.

In his book "Kissinger: Volume I: The Idealist, 1923-1968," Niall Ferguson comments on the nature of moral principles in professional environments. He suggests that individuals often profess high moral standards when such stances align with low-risk strategies. This observation implies that the declaration of ethics is sometimes more about personal safety or career preservation than genuine conviction.

Ferguson’s critique prompts a reflection on the authenticity of ethical claims, raising the question of whether such professions are truly principled or merely opportunistic. The idea is that real moral integrity would ideally come with the willingness to face greater risks, rather than seek the safest path, which undermines the credibility of those high ideals.