The Two Kinds of Moderate

Paul Graham’s essay The Two Kinds of Moderate distinguishes between two fundamentally different types of political moderates.

Intentional Moderates

“Trimmers” who actively choose middle positions. Their opinions cluster around the 50-yard line—they acquire beliefs “in bulk” rather than thinking independently about each issue.

Accidental Moderates

These form their own conclusions on each question separately. Their opinions “will be scattered over a broad range” but average toward the middle. They also “choose their own questions.”

Central Insight

Intentional moderates share ideologues’ weakness: dependence on external frameworks. Accidental moderates demonstrate genuine independence by “getting attacked from both right and left.”

Implications for Intellectual Work

Professionals working with ideas must be accidental moderates or risk mediocrity. Those whose work intersects with politics face a binary choice: maintain independence or compromise quality.

My Takeaway

“Nearly all the most impressive people I know are accidental moderates.” Think independently about each issue.

Which kind of moderate are you? I’d love to hear at persdre@gmail.com.