Part 6/8:
In assessing their contributions, Thomas acknowledged a critical tension within the age and experience of the Wise Men. While many of their initial policies were effective, the later years brought about a resistance to new ideas and alternatives. Dean Acheson's staunch support for intervention in Vietnam, for example, contrasted sharply with the changing public sentiment.
Their legacy is further complicated by the political and social upheaval in the decades since their leadership. As the Ivy League schools became less synonymous with wisdom and leadership, a more diverse set of backgrounds emerged within today's political nominees, suggesting a shift in how we define expertise.