"Politics is a place of humble hopes and strangely modest requirements, where all are good who are not criminal and all are wise who are not ridiculously otherwise"

Frank Moore Colby's quote uses a concise and somewhat cynical reflection on the nature of political environments. In his view, politics is evidently a sphere characterized by very little optimism and tempered expectations. The expression "humble hopes and oddly modest requirements" suggests that the ambitions embedded within political procedures are typically subdued and not grand. This could show Colby's belief that political objectives are restricted by realism and pragmatism, where idealism is often jeopardized by the harsh truths of governance.

Colby's observation that "all are great who are not criminal" reflects a relatively low bar for ethical and ethical standards within politics. This implies that the default presumption of goodness in politics is merely the lack of criminal activity, rather than a presence of virtuous or exemplary behavior. This could be analyzed as a review of how society tends to accept mediocrity as long as it is not overtly corrupt or criminal. It means a decreased expectation of moral integrity within political leaders and organizations.

Likewise, "all are smart who are not extremely otherwise" points to the rather lax requirements for judging wisdom in politics. If being thought about wise only requires not being foolish, then political wisdom is framed not as a proactive demonstration of sound judgment and insight, but rather as an avoidance of conspicuous mistake. Colby seems to recommend that the limit for being perceived as capable or smart in political circles is relatively undemanding.

Overall, the quote presents a somewhat pessimistic view of politics, where the requirements for moral integrity and knowledge are set rather low. Colby's words can be viewed as a critique of the political landscape, highlighting its inherent limitations and the typically modest expectations put upon those who run within it. It invites reflection on how these characteristics may impact political efficacy and public trust.