[Mrs. Don-o]

It's not clear whom Matthew Schmitz is quoting here. It seems to be Kierkegaard; and if that's the case, it's from almost 200 years ao. But it's so true it could be datelined Rome 2016:

In other ages, action gives way to reflection. The aspiring revolutionary does not make a mad bid for bliss. Instead, he “leaves everything standing but empties it of significance”. Rather than deny old truths outright, he “makes the whole of life ambiguous”.

A principle of gradualism is introduced, so that “the distinction between good and evil is enervated by a superficial, superior and theoretical knowledge of evil, by a supercilious cleverness which is aware that goodness is neither appreciated nor right in this world.” Rather than boast in the stark colour of the bonnet rouge, the revolutionary cloaks himself in shades of grey

[Arthur McGowan]

Sounds like Alinsky. And Bill Ayers has “Obama” quote him in one of his books. I.e., drop the beard and sandals, the “radical pose,” and put on a business suit.