As the principles of individualism are increasingly abandoned (cf. Graph 3), a new ethic of altruism arises which, as we have seen, is impossible to practice consistently (pp. 3.7:2-4). Consequently, both hypocrisy and cynicism flourish. In this new cynical atmosphere, scandals abound and public figures are subject to numerous accusations, both founded and unfounded, and to rumors of corruption. Political campaigns become increasingly negative in tone. The suppression of political opponents through scandals and legal prosecution (see previous page) both exploits this cynicism and nurtures it. Most of the few remaining individuals of integrity therefore shun politics altogether, so that statesmen and stateswomen are replaced by unscrupulous politicians. The increasing general cynicism, together with the decline of meaningful elections, contributes to apathy among eligible voters, further eroding the electoral process.