In Elizabeth Kostova's "The Shadow Land," the author explores the dangers of political rhetoric surrounding purity. She points out that when politicians champion the concept of purity, it often leads to a problematic dynamic where they claim the authority to define who meets these standards and who does not. This perspective highlights the inherent issues of exclusion and judgment that arise in political discourse.

The quote serves as a cautionary reminder that the pursuit of an ideal can become a tool for division. Rather than fostering unity or understanding, such rhetoric can create an environment where individuals are labeled and marginalized based on arbitrary standards of purity determined by those in power.