Somerset Maugham on moderation and excess

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit.

~ Somerset Maugham

Bob Unger on extremism vs. moderation

I am an extremist. I want extremely honest business associates and an extremely faithful wife. Moderates want moderately honest business associates and moderately adulteress wives.

~ Bob Unger, February 4, 2008

Cicero on moderation and extremism

I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!

~ Cicero

Thomas Paine on moderation

A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

~ Thomas Paine