I've always said this and finally I had a chance to demonstrate

In the grand theater of human discourse, where the minds of individuals clash and weave together in the pursuit of truth and understanding, there are roles that must be played with utmost care. Among these roles, none is more subtle yet vital than that of the moderator, whose duty it is not to dominate, but to facilitate. The words of Jim Lehrer, "I've always said this and finally I had a chance to demonstrate it: The moderator should be seen little and heard even less. It is up to the candidates to ask the follow-up questions and challenge one another," speak to the heart of this delicate balance. In this wisdom, we are reminded that the true purpose of dialogue is not to impose one voice over the others, but to allow the voices involved to speak freely, to challenge, and to sharpen one another in the forge of ideas.

The moderator's task, as Lehrer wisely points out, is not to wield influence over the conversation, but to act as a quiet guide, a steward of the flow of discussion. In a world that often elevates those who control the narrative, Lehrer’s philosophy is a call to humility — to recognize that true dialogue comes not from control, but from freedom. Candidates, whether they are politicians, philosophers, or ordinary individuals, must be given the space to question, probe, and challenge one another. It is through this process of exchange that the truth emerges, not through the imposition of authority, but through the collaboration of diverse perspectives.

This is not a new lesson, for the ancients were well-versed in the art of discourse. Consider the Socratic method of philosophy, where Socrates, the great teacher, would ask probing questions not to provide answers, but to encourage his students to arrive at their own conclusions. In this way, Socrates acted as a moderator of thought, not by imposing his own views, but by fostering a space in which his students could challenge and refine their own beliefs. Socrates’ role was not to speak at length, but to guide others toward self-discovery through dialogue. In this, he was not the dominant voice, but rather the one who kept the conversation flowing and the minds of his pupils sharp.

It is also worth reflecting upon the great debates that have shaped the course of history. The Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, for example, were not merely a contest of speeches, but a profound exchange of ideas. The role of the moderator in these debates was not to steer the conversation, but to ensure that both men were allowed to speak their truths, to challenge each other on matters of principle, and to offer the audience an opportunity to witness the clash of ideas. These debates did not succeed because of the dominance of one speaker, but because both were given the freedom to question and probe each other’s positions. Truth was revealed through this open exchange, and in the end, it was not the words of the moderator that lingered in the minds of the people, but the ideas and the challenges posed by the debaters themselves.

The lesson here is one of restraint, one that calls for humility in the face of discourse. It teaches us that when we find ourselves in positions of authority or influence, be it as a moderator, a teacher, or a leader, we must recognize that our role is not to dominate or control, but to create the space for others to express, challenge, and refine their own views. The path to wisdom is not one where we impose our own thoughts on others, but where we listen, encourage dialogue, and, most importantly, allow others to sharpen their own understanding.

In our daily lives, this wisdom can be applied not only in formal debates but in every conversation we engage in. Whether in personal relationships, in our work, or in the public sphere, we must strive to be like the moderator: present, but not dominating. Facilitating, but not controlling. Allowing others the space to speak, to ask the important questions, and to challenge ideas, is the only way to grow and learn together. In doing so, we elevate the dialogue and ensure that the exchange of ideas leads to growth rather than conflict.

Thus, we are reminded by Jim Lehrer's words, as well as the ancient philosophers, that the highest form of leadership in conversation is often silence. It is through restraint and humility that we create the conditions for true understanding. Let us all strive to be moderators in our own lives, allowing dialogue to flourish and truth to emerge from the challenge of ideas. In this, we find the strength of collective wisdom, where no voice is stifled, and every individual has the chance to speak, question, and grow.