A writer I generally respect recently answered a question with the moderation drivel. Not to describe the phrase as a trite, hackneyed, tired and useless cliché, "moderation in all things" is too often simply wrong. Some things are unacceptable even in moderation. Child abuse, for example. Shoplifting, even in moderation, is wrong. Stealing petty cash in moderation, wrong. Moderate amounts of drunk driving? Wrong.
How much love should you show your spouse and children? A moderate amount? No. How much effort should you put into your education and your career? Moderate effort? No, all you can.
I think it’s the very idea of moderation that gets us into trouble. We come to think there are more gray areas than there really are. We justify incorrect behavior and unwise decisions by too easily claiming moderation. Drinking mercury, even in moderation, is a bad idea. There are black and whites, there are absolutes. Some things are right, some things are wrong, even in moderation.
John - I completely agree with your assessment. I think that the real issue people are addressing with the pat "moderation" response is balance - and that the underlying assumption is that it's balance between positive things - work/family, exercise/eating right versus obsessive dieting behavior, etc. Even balance is kind of trite anymore.
Posted by: ann michael | May 17, 2006 1:33 PM | Permalink to Comment