Both Machiavelli and Rousseau recognized that the irrationalities of human nature made a totally honest and rational politics impossible. Drawing on their insights, Grant shows that the tasks of the politician -- building coalitions among conflicting interests, uniting groups with a basic mistrust of one another -- cannot be accomplished while remaining inflexibly attached to principle. By clarifying the differences between idealism and fanaticism, moderation and rationalization, Grant's inquiry uncovers the moral limits of compromise and reveals new standards for ethical judgment.

A subtle and provocative study in political philosophy, Hypocrisy and Integrity also presents striking, original interpretations of Machiavelli and Rousseau.