THE VIBRANT CENTER

Schneider advances an argument for taking the middle ground in this nonfiction work.

It’s probably difficult for many in this era of Epstein-ick and genocidal horror to believe that what we all need right now is some sort of happy medium heretofore unattainable, given our limited awareness and cognitive restrictions, but while many survey the sickening scene before us and demand revolution, the author, a psychologist, advocates reform. “Are we ready for a political party that prioritizes a vibrant center of consciousness for our society,” Schneider asks, “a party that stresses presence, openness, and discernment toward self and others; a pivot point of individual and collective choice, deliberation, and discovery in all major sectors of our lives?” (That’s a lot to parse, and too much to squeeze onto anybody’s banner.) The author seeks to bring a centrist approach to parenting, education, work and employment, religion, government, and politics. Many readers will likely feel that reality contradicts many of Schneider’s positions—for example, the author presupposes that Americans live in a functioning democratic republic and posits that the “‘muscular’ policies of U.S. President Donald Trump toward both Palestinian and Israeli leadership may actually lead to a lasting cease-fire along with the potential for a lasting and viable peace.” (The latter prospect, Schneider allows, “is still a very long way off.”) The author also invokes an extensive list of notable figures (including Malcolm X) and adopts them into the centrist cause; it’s a fair bet many will balk at such an assemblage being drafted for such purposes. At the very least, this section is a distracting digression that slows the narrative pace while only serving to confuse Schneider’s case for a “vibrantly centered, psychospiritually informed, government.” Still, the author argues his case in a vibrant and vigorous fashion. His writing is lean and propulsive, and whether readers find his ideas thought-provoking or outrageous, they probably won’t be left indifferent.

An impassioned but muddled case for a new centrism.