“Man is a political animal,” Aristotle said. Living means taking a position in some way. In these polarized times, I think it is worth reflecting on which path a person should take: left, right, or firmly in the center?

In my view, politics and philosophy are closely connected. Since Plato’s Republic, with Socrates as its character, people in the agora have been asking, “What is the ideal city for each citizen?” and “What is justice?” So many provocations, so few answers, and hemlock for those who dared to corrupt the youth with questions.

Principles

Before starting any political discussion, we cannot claim to have the truth without first questioning where that truth comes from. Arguments are built on layer after layer of philosophy in search of truth. Today, the debate is being built on two philosophical views: utilitarianism and libertarianism.

Utilitarianism aims to maximize the good of everyone over the good of the individual.

Libertarianism aims to preserve the good of the individual.

That is why there is no point starting a discussion with someone whose foundations are different from the ones they are arguing from. A socialist may feel at home among utilitarians, and a capitalist may feel at home among libertarians. But as with everything in life, the difference between medicine and poison is the dose.

I do not think a society that is 100% libertarian or utilitarian would be good for everyone. I think the ideal path lies somewhere in between. That is why political decisions should be discussed, especially to find out who benefits from them.

Good institutions

I follow the view that building and reforming is better than destroying and demolishing. Good institutions can clean up after themselves: they have mechanisms that allow change, but they are naturally conservative, since current policies were responsible for creating those institutions.

Democracy is a recent institution in Brazil, only about 40 years old. It is young; compare it with the 250-year-old American republic and its many presidents. That is why preserving the country’s democratic institutions matters. As Churchill supposedly said, democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others.

Montesquieu’s separation of powers is one of those theories that emerged in the 18th century and remains relevant in the world’s main republics: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. We built these institutions around that theory, and it helped us end the absolute power of monarchies that ignored the law, judged people, and condemned countless others.

That is why I believe good institutions are essential for everyone’s security and for the rule of law. Of course, institutions will always be targets of corruption, since that is where the power to create, change, and enforce laws comes from. Even so, change should happen within the political system. Any attempt at a coup or at destroying one of these institutions creates an imbalance of power, brings more instability, and ultimately leads to injustice.

Good public policy

With good institutions in place, they will be responsible for creating good public policy. The problem is that people are unpredictable. A law that works in Japan may not be as effective in Brazil; culture changes, and so does the force of law. Good public policy should use science to make assessments and measure results. That way, good policies can be applied nationwide after being tested in cities and states, while bad policies can be rejected before that happens.

Lobbyists exist and always will. The best we can do is legalize and regulate their activities so we know which politicians they fund to create laws that benefit their group. There, I just mentioned a good public policy, or maybe not. It is up for discussion.

Conclusion

I have always liked politics. I think it is fascinating because that is where power is created, managed, and used. Foucault is useful here. After sailing through seas of left and right, I became more and more centrist and noncommittal. Today, this is the only banner I stand for:

Good institutions and good public policy

With that, humanity keeps moving: a little to the left, a little to the right, but always forward.