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.

'Why Not Moderation? provides a sturdy vindication of the concept as a muscular virtue. It also serves as an instructive and timely stimulus for understanding the importance of humility, prudence, and complexity in building up and conserving the delicate achievements of Western civilization from which radicals and moderates of all stripes benefit. That message alone should warrant applause, especially in an age when there remains a zealous yearning to burn shrubs to the ground rather than trim their imperfections.' National Review
'… a valuable, important, and timely contribution to the pressing debate over the future of liberal democracy in the United States.' Rahul Sagar, Los Angeles Review of Books
'By making the case for discernment, discretion, and common sense, 'Why Not Moderation?' is a necessary tonic in an age of umbrage.' Greg Berman, Society
'… Craiutu offers desperately needed sustenance to the liberal pragmatists who are so crucial to the health and functioning of our democratic system … By making the case for discernment, discretion, and common sense, Why Not Moderation? is a necessary tonic in an age of umbrage.' Greg Berman, Society

Aurelian Craiutu is Professor of Political Science at Indiana University, Bloomington. His publications include Liberalism under Siege (2003), A Virtue for Courageous Minds (2012), and Faces of Moderation (2017). Professor Craiutu has also written book reviews and essays for non-academic publications such as Los Angeles Review of Books, Aeon, and the Daily Beast.