. GRANT me, Heaven, a middle state,
Neither too humble nor too great.
More than enough for nature’s ends
With something left to treat my friends.
- Davis Mallet, Imitation of Horace
Although this prayer refers to one’s economic resources, it is equally valid in a world replete with extremist positions, whether in religion or politics, in values or opinions. The middle road often tends to be helpful, safer, and less belligerent. Though any extremism tends to be inaccurate and sometimes even dangerous I would contend that extremism in the pursuit of moderation is no vice.
Spurts of Thought 