Named one of the best books of the year by The Economist and shortlisted for the 2024 Zócalo Book Prize, Gradual: The Case for Incremental Change in a Radical Age argues that, contrary to the aspirations of activists on both the right and the left, incremental reform is the best way to make the world a better place. Gradual advocates for a brand of "radical realism" that prioritizes honesty, humility, nuance, and respect in an effort to transcend political polarization.
Three Cheers for Gradualism
— An excerpt from Gradual published in Persuasion
Are gradualists right and radicals wrong?
—The Lost Debate podcast
Praise
“Students of American government and public policy will gain useful insights from this study, and they may even view American politics in a whole new manner.”
— Library Journal
“A calm, knowledgeable response to noisy radicalism.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“The authors make a compelling case that incrementalism rooted in honesty, humility, nuance, and respect can begin to move the needle on even the most intractable problems.”
— Christian Science Monitor
“In Gradual, the authors essentially, and persuasively, defend the benefits of muddling through.”
“In their latest book, Aubrey Fox and Greg Berman argue that progress is a path made up of small but mighty changes rather than giant leaps.”
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Additional Coverage
“Indispensable.”
— Air Mail
“A good book for sane centrists.”
— Tyler Cowen, Marginal Revolution