The French writer, Charles Peguy ,1873-1914 [there should be an accent over the 'e' but I can't get my cp to do that] said "It will never be known what acts of cowardice have been motivated by the fear of not looking sufficiently progressive".

This statement lets us know that Peguy was referring to forward progress, or perhaps-in vogue. But it also appears Peguy understood that progress could go backwards, up, or down, as well as forward. As people we are always moving or we are dead, much like a ship at sea. Which ever direction we move is a progress. Not always for the positive. He also seemed to understand that a lot of political -or parental- actions are motivated by fear, not common sense. Not driven by what is best for all the people, but fear of not appearing to be positively progressive, with the times.

How sad that leaders are so fearful that they follow instead of leading.