People
Moderation is a virtue only in those who are thought to have an alternative.
— Henry Kissinger
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The statement makes the reputation of moderation depend on whether others believe a different course was possible. Restraint carries less credit when it appears compulsory. Its emphasis falls on perceived alternatives, suggesting that judgments of virtue also depend on how much choice observers think someone had.
Context reviewed