"The central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save it from itself"

Daniel Patrick Moynihan's quote encapsulates two point of views on the relationship in between culture and politics. The "central conservative reality" he refers to is the idea that the success and well-being of a society are mainly figured out by its culture-- its traditions, worths, standards, and collective habits. From a conservative viewpoint, changes in political policy and systems are less impactful if they are not supported by the underlying cultural milieu. Culture is viewed as the bedrock upon which political structures stand; without a strong cultural structure, political efforts might falter. This point of view stresses the value of cultural continuity and the conservation of social worths that purportedly lead to success and stability.

On the other hand, the "main liberal truth" Moynihan highlights underscores the belief in the transformative power of politics. Liberals often argue that through progressive legislation and policy modifications, politics can improve culture, address social injustices, and facilitate societal development. This view holds that culture is not static but rather vibrant and capable of growth and change through purposeful political action. Politics, in this light, becomes a tool for shaping culture in a way that motivates equity, justice, and modernization, potentially fixing cultural aspects that are viewed as out-of-date or harmful.

Moynihan's declaration draws attention to a basic ideological divide: conservatives may prioritize the preservation of cultural heritage as a method to societal success, while liberals might see proactive political intervention as a required ways to cultural enhancement. By presenting these realities, Moynihan suggests that both viewpoints offer important insights: culture provides the foundation for social order, while politics uses systems for necessary modification. True societal success may hence depend upon a well balanced interaction between protecting cultural values and carrying out political reforms to adjust to altering times and difficulties.