The quote “Pure politics is merely the calculus of combinations and of chances” implies that politics, at its core, is a game of strategy and probability. It suggests that political success is not necessarily about having the best ideas or the most noble intentions, but about understanding the various variables at play and calculating the best way to combine and use them to one’s advantage.

This can be seen in the way political campaigns are run, where the focus is often on creating coalitions of voters, leveraging key issues, and maximizing the chances of winning. It’s about understanding and predicting the behavior of various groups of people, and then making strategic decisions based on those predictions.

In the context of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as a reminder that success often depends on strategic thinking and understanding the odds. It’s about recognizing the various factors at play in any given situation, and then making calculated decisions to maximize the chances of achieving one’s goals.

For example, if you’re trying to advance in your career, you might need to consider the various combinations of skills and experiences that would make you a valuable asset to your employer. You might also need to consider the chances of different outcomes, such as the likelihood of getting a promotion or the risk of being laid off.

In today’s world, this quote could be applied to everything from business decisions to social issues. Businesses need to calculate the combinations of products, services, and marketing strategies that will maximize their profits. Social activists need to calculate the combinations of tactics and messages that will maximize their chances of effecting change.

In both cases, the key is to understand the variables at play, make strategic decisions based on those variables, and be prepared to adjust as circumstances change. In other words, success in politics – and in life – often comes down to a simple calculus of combinations and chances.