Nobody Yells About Moderation

Nobody yells about moderation.

You’ll hear people yell to push their progressive beliefs forward. You’ll hear people yell to keep their conservative beliefs in tact. But you won’t hear people yell about their moderate beliefs. 

It isn’t in their nature. 

People who listen enough to consider the pros and cons of both sides don’t have enough time to yell. People who maintain friendships with those on all sides know that yelling does no good. People who don’t simply set their political compass to the same north that their family, friends, or coworkers do know that true persuasion takes patient work.

If you, like me, feel bogged down by the polarized nature of our current politics and world, just remember that you’re only hearing the yells right now. Algorithms favor hype–not carefully reasoned, tactfully presented arguments. There are plenty of wise individuals having respectful conversations on couches and at dinner tables with people in their community. You just can’t see them. 

If this post resonates with you, you’re likely one of those people too. Keep it up. 

P.S. If you feel compelled to persuade someone in your community to change their beliefs, here’s my take on how to do that best.