Why not Moderation?

• Letters to Young Radicals
• Aurelian Craiutu

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Moderation is often presented as a simple virtue for lukewarm and indecisive minds, searching for a fuzzy center between the extremes. Not surprisingly, many politicians do not want to be labelled „moderates“ for fear of losing elections. Why Not Moderation? challenges this conventional image and shows that moderation is a complex virtue with a rich tradition and unexplored radical sides. Through a series of imaginary letters between a passionate moderate and two young radicals, the book outlines the distinctive political vision undergirding moderation and makes a case for why we need this virtue today in America. Drawing on clearly written and compelling sources, Craiutu offers an opportunity to rethink moderation and participate in the important public debate on what kind of society we want to live in. His book reminds us that we cannot afford to bargain away the liberal civilization and open society we have inherited from our forefathers. Far from being a passive middle ground, moderation becomes an active force for the preservation of democracy, freedom, and reason. This book is for all who dare to think differently – and believe that there is a third way between extremes.

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You would be wise to imitate the example of moderates who, when facing opposition, refuse to censor or shun their critics, even when they find them disagreeable. Fight to end cancel culture and intimidation on all sides. Cancellation is not a word that ever appears in the moderates’ vocabulary and it ought also to be absent from yours. Your adversaries and critics should provoke your curiosity rather than your anger. Instead of drawing up blacklists with real or imaginary enemies to be eliminated, avoid any form of ostracism and strive to create and maintain open spaces in which diverse ideas can freely compete and the spirit of curiosity and toleration may prevail. Take inspiration from those who like and cultivate “a strong, intimate, manly fellowship, the kind of friendship which rejoices in sharp vigorous exchanges.”

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Always look at the larger picture. Moderates are realists who follow the facts, refuse to misrepresent them, and avoid false premises to draw misleading conclusions. They never accept any arguments at face value without subjecting them to critical scrutiny. When facts change, they believe that their opinions must be revised accordingly. It doesn’t matter whether someone began as a socialist, a conservative, or a libertarian; everyone must remain open to adjusting their ideas when the realities around them contradict their beliefs. As such, moderates are prepared to swim against the current when needed and avoid any complicity with official dogmas and propaganda. Furthermore, they refrain from deliberately using an ambiguous language that seeks to deceive by hiding their real intentions and goals. They speak in plain words that are never arrogant or sanctimonious.

• ISBN: 978-953-369-062-9
• Number of pages: 336
• Cover: paperback
• Year of the edition: 2025
• Original title: Why not Moderation? Letters to Young Radicals
• Original language: English
• Translation: Marko Maras
• Dimensions: 136x210 mm