Conservatism: Dream and Reality - Library of Conservative Thought

Conservatism is a complex and multifaceted political ideology that has shaped the course of Western civilization for centuries. Its adherents believe in the importance of tradition, order, and individual liberty, and they generally favor limited government, free markets, and a strong national defense. Conservatism has its roots in the writings of Edmund Burke, who argued that society is an organic whole that should be preserved and reformed gradually.

In the United States, conservatism has been a dominant force in American politics since the founding of the republic. The Founding Fathers were largely conservative in their outlook, and they designed a system of government that was intended to protect individual rights and limit the power of the state. In the 20th century, conservatism was revived by thinkers such as Russell Kirk and William F. Buckley Jr., who helped to shape the modern conservative movement.

Principles of Conservatism

The principles of conservatism can be summarized as follows:

• Tradition: Conservatives believe that society is an organic whole that should be preserved and reformed gradually. They are wary of radical change and prefer to build on the wisdom of the past.
• Order: Conservatives believe that order is essential for a stable and prosperous society. They support strong institutions, such as the family, the church, and the state, and they believe that individuals have a duty to uphold the law and social norms.
• Individual liberty: Conservatives believe that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals without undue interference from the government. They support free markets, free speech, and religious freedom.
• Limited government: Conservatives believe that the government should play a limited role in the lives of individuals and businesses. They argue that the government should focus on protecting individual rights, providing for national defense, and maintaining a stable economic environment.
• Free markets: Conservatives believe that free markets are the best way to create wealth and prosperity. They support free trade, deregulation, and a sound monetary policy.
• Strong national defense: Conservatives believe that a strong national defense is essential for protecting the country from foreign threats. They support a strong military and a robust foreign policy.

Conservatism in Practice

Conservatism has been a major force in American politics since the founding of the republic. Conservative principles have been reflected in the policies of many presidents, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. Conservatives have also played a leading role in shaping the Supreme Court, which has interpreted the Constitution in a way that is generally consistent with conservative principles.

In recent years, conservatism has faced challenges from both the left and the right. Liberals argue that conservatism is too focused on preserving the status quo and that it does not do enough to address the problems facing the country. Libertarians argue that conservatism is not conservative enough and that it is too willing to compromise with the left.

Despite these challenges, conservatism remains a powerful force in American politics. Conservative principles continue to resonate with many Americans who believe that the country is on the wrong track and that it needs to return to its traditional values.

The Tension Between Ideal and Reality

Conservatism is a complex and multifaceted ideology, and it is often difficult to reconcile its ideals with the realities of governance. For example, conservatives believe in limited government, but they also support a strong national defense. This can lead to a tension between the desire to reduce the size and scope of government and the need to protect the country from foreign threats.

Another tension that conservatives face is between the desire to preserve tradition and the need to adapt to changing circumstances. Conservatives believe that society is an organic whole that should be preserved and reformed gradually. However, they also recognize that the world is constantly changing, and that some traditions may need to be abandoned in order to preserve the core values of conservatism.

The tension between ideal and reality is inherent to conservatism. It is an ideology that is constantly trying to balance the demands of the present with the lessons of the past. This tension can lead to disagreements among conservatives, but it also helps to keep the ideology vital and relevant.

Conservatism is a multifaceted and enduring political ideology that has played a major role in Western civilization for centuries. Its principles of tradition, order, individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and strong national defense continue to resonate with many people around the world. However, conservatism is not a static ideology. It must constantly adapt to changing circumstances, and it must balance the demands of the present with the lessons of the past. This is a difficult task, but it is one that conservatism must continue to undertake if it is to remain a vital and relevant force in the world.

References

• Burke, Edmund. Reflections on the Revolution in France. 1790.
• Kirk, Russell. The Conservative Mind. 1953.
• Buckley, William F. Jr. God and Man at Yale. 1951.