There’s a saying that circulates in certain circles: “better alone than in bad company.” In politics, that phrase is a death sentence.

I’ve seen too many movements fragment over differences that, seen from the outside, are imperceptible. The left splitting between Trotskyists and Gramscians. Libertarians fighting over anarcho-capitalism versus minarchism. Environmentalists who can’t agree on veganism.

Meanwhile, those with real power are laughing.

I’m not saying ideas don’t matter. I’m saying purity is a luxury only those with nothing to lose can afford. For everyone else, politics is the art of getting your hands dirty.

If your movement demands 100% ideological alignment to accept someone, your movement has already failed. You just haven’t realized it yet.