These virtues raised some of the poor to the middle class and prevented the decline of others to pauperism. Himmelfarb's important, but not original observation, is that even with the enormous material success of the modern economy, there are still those who languish largely because of personal choices lacking in virtue. Different decisions would create different and better outcomes. Although ameliorating suffering is important, without encouragement of moral behaviors that build functional lives and livable communities, solely economic policy prescriptions will either fail or be far less effective. Marxism is wrong.
Libertarianism is wrong.
Disinterest in the character of the citizenry is not sufficient. Character and morality are largely critical and must be carefully nurtured.