opportunism

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“
Or did he come as near as a man with many human weaknesses could come to the wise and nobly calculated opportunism which is not merely the most beneficent statesmanship, but demands a heroic self-mastery The main interest of his doings in Illinois politics and in Congress is the help they may give in penetrating his later mind.

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Definitions (3)

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  1. The principles or practices of opportunists, in any sense of that word; quickness to grasp favorable opportunities and to modify one's conduct or policy in accordance with them; in a bad sense, the sacrifice of consistency and principles to policy. Opportunism is becoming more and more a characteristic of all classes of politicians. Brit. Quarterly Rev., July, 1883, p. 84. The spirit of opportunism is not confined to statesmen and diplomatists, and there are workmen who are shrewd enough to see that the wealthy classes will do much for fear, and little for love of their poorer brethren. Fortnightly Rev., N. S., XXXIX. 313.

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Examples (50)

  • Far from acting out of political opportunism, as some so offensively suggest, Israel has taken massive risks on every front with this operation. —  Barking Moonbat Early Warning System
  • The sheer extent of greed and opportunism is nothing short of mind boggling! —  Right Pundits
  • Moreover, Pawar's opportunism is not seen negatively.
  • The notion of parasite here is really more of opportunism: rather than have to configure devices, we simply walk around and they plug in wherever and whenever they can. —  Wi-Fi Networking News
  • CHP's stance in one of pure political opportunism, of course. —  Turkishdailynews Headlines
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