Moderation

Moderation is not a popular attitude nowadays. Moderates (and I'm not talking only about political moderates) are seen as people who are "fence-sitters"; the folks who "cannot make up their minds". There probably are a group who genuinely are unable to come to a conclusion about things, but I believe that moderation is the approach to life adopted by the strong-minded. A moderate attitude to an issue is one which has required fair-minded consideration of the pros and cons, and the disciplined application of common sense.

The problem is that life is complicated. There are very few simple answers that are correct. The issues with good, simple answers are the no-brainers, the ones that aren't controversial.

Unfortunately, there are many people in the world who don't want to accept the world's complexity. Those among us who prefer to act first and think later (if at all) demand quick, simple, easy-to-understand solutions to life's challenges. These people gravitate towards extremist leaders of the right-wing, left-wing, or any other kind of wing, who offer them the simplicity they want.

Next time you are tempted to make a snap judgment on some issue, take a few minutes to think it through, and don't be afraid to sit on the fence if you are unable to come to a conclusion. Be aware of the pros and cons, take the smart course, and be a moderate.