OPEN THREAD: Is it inscribed on human fate that man must grow wicked to seem wise; and the path of politics be forever encumbered with briers and thorns?

Because I am not cruel, I will spare you the confusion that Google may not dispel: This is a departure from the song-lines: This is from the journal of Senator William Maclay of Pennsylvania, deploring the negotiations over the Judiciary Act of 1789. Which actually turned out okay.