The Conservative Spirit
The Permanent Things: Reflections on Tradition, Culture, and the Good Society
Greetings, dear readers. I’m grateful for your time and attention as we embark on an exploration of a topic that lies at the very heart of our societal discourse. Today, we’ll delve deep into the essence of conservatism and traditionalism, examining what these terms truly signify and why they matter so crucially in our rapidly evolving world. If you find value in our discussion, I warmly encourage you to share these thoughts with others who might benefit from this perspective. Your engagement helps foster a community of thoughtful citizens committed to preserving the best of our civilization.
A Sacred Trust
To call oneself a conservative or traditionalist in today’s world of constant flux is to assume a mantle of great responsibility, if not burden and disdain. It’s a declaration that amidst the tumultuous currents of societal change, there exist enduring truths and values that are not only worth preserving but are essential for the flourishing of human society. But what exactly are we conserving, and why does it matter so much?
At its core, conservatism is not, as its critics often claim, a mere resistance to change or a blind clinging to the past. Such a simplistic view fails to grasp the depth and nuance of conservative thought. Rather, conservatism is about recognizing and honoring the accumulated wisdom embedded in the traditions, institutions, and moral frameworks that have shaped our civilization over millennia. As the great Edmund Burke, often considered the father of modern conservatism, so eloquently observed, society is “a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born.”
This perspective places us, the current generation, in a unique position as both inheritors and custodians. We are the beneficiaries of the wisdom, sacrifices, and achievements of countless generations before us, and we bear the solemn responsibility of preserving and enhancing this inheritance for those who will come after us.
Transcendent Order and Natural Law
To truly understand conservatism, we must begin with its foundational premise: the recognition of a transcendent moral order. This order, I firmly believe, finds its ultimate source in God, the author of all creation and the giver of natural law. It’s this divine foundation that provides the bedrock for the principles we seek to conserve.
The concept of natural law, articulated by thinkers from Aristotle to Aquinas and beyond, posits that there are universal moral truths that can be discerned through reason and revelation. These truths are not mere human constructs but reflect the very nature of reality as designed by God. As we read in Romans 2:15, even those without explicit knowledge of God’s law have it “written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness.”
This belief in a transcendent moral order stands in stark contrast to the moral relativism that has become increasingly prevalent in our society. Relativism, which posits that moral truths are subjective and culturally determined, ultimately leads to a society without firm ethical foundations. In contrast, the conservative worldview provides a stable moral framework that can guide individual behavior and inform public policy.
However, it’s important to note that one need not be religious to appreciate the value of conservative thought. Even secular thinkers have articulated compelling visions of conservatism based on skepticism towards radical change and respect for time-tested institutions. Michael Oakeshott, for instance, argued for a conservatism rooted in a pragmatic appreciation for existing social arrangements rather than abstract ideals.
The Pillars of a Flourishing Society
Having established the philosophical foundations of conservatism, let us turn to the question of what, specifically, we are seeking to conserve.
First and foremost, we’re preserving the idea that there are objective moral truths that exist independently of human opinion or societal consensus. This stance is more crucial than ever in a world increasingly dominated by postmodern relativism and the notion that truth is merely a social construct.
Secondly, we’re conserving the institutions that have long served as the bedrock of a stable and flourishing society: the family, the church, and limited government. Each of these institutions plays a vital role in the conservative vision of a well-ordered society.
The Family: Cornerstone of Society
The family, in the conservative view, is not merely a social arrangement but the fundamental unit of society. It is within the family that individuals first learn about love, responsibility, and the balance between personal freedom and obligation to others. The traditional family structure provides a stable environment for the nurturing and education of children, passing on values and cultural heritage from one generation to the next.
In recent decades, the institution of the family has faced numerous challenges, from high divorce rates to the redefinition of marriage. While conservatives recognize the reality of these changes, we maintain that the traditional family structure remains the ideal environment for human flourishing and social stability.
The Church: Moral Compass and Community Builder
The church, or more broadly, religious institutions, play a crucial role in conservative thought. They serve not only as places of worship but as moral compasses for society and builders of community. Churches have historically been at the forefront of charitable work, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Moreover, religious institutions provide a counterbalance to the power of the state, asserting that there are spheres of human life that lie beyond government control. This concept, known as sphere sovereignty and articulated by thinkers like Abraham Kuyper, is crucial to the conservative vision of a free society.
Limited Government: Protecting Liberty and Fostering Responsibility
The conservative vision of government is one of limited scope but crucial importance. Drawing on the wisdom of the American Founding Fathers and thinkers like John Locke, conservatives believe that the primary role of government is to protect individual rights and maintain the rule of law.
This view stands in contrast to the expansive vision of government often advocated by progressive thinkers. Conservatives are skeptical of attempts to use government power to reshape society according to abstract ideals, recognizing that such efforts often lead to unintended consequences and infringements on individual liberty.
However, limited government does not mean no government. Conservatives recognize the need for a strong national defense, a fair justice system, and basic social safety nets. The key is to strike a balance that protects individual liberty while maintaining social order and providing for the common good.
More Than Mere Nostalgia
Beyond these fundamental institutions, conservatism also seeks to preserve our rich cultural heritage. This includes not only our artistic and literary traditions but also the customs, manners, and social norms that have evolved over generations. As T.S. Eliot wisely noted, culture is not merely the sum of several activities, but a way of life.
In preserving these cultural elements, we’re not engaging in mere nostalgia or resisting progress. Rather, we’re maintaining the collective wisdom of generations, wisdom that has been hard-won through centuries of human experience. This cultural inheritance provides us with a sense of identity, continuity, and belonging in an increasingly fragmented world.
Consider, for instance, the importance of language and literature. The great works of our civilization, from Shakespeare to Dostoevsky, offer profound insights into the human condition. They connect us with the thoughts and experiences of those who came before us, enriching our understanding of ourselves and our world. To neglect this cultural inheritance is to impoverish ourselves and future generations.
Similarly, traditions and customs, far from being arbitrary, often embody practical wisdom and social cohesion. The rituals surrounding major life events - births, marriages, deaths - provide structure and meaning to our lives and connect us to our communities. Even seemingly minor customs, like table manners or forms of address, serve to oil the wheels of social interaction and foster mutual respect.
Prudence and Organic Development
It’s crucial to understand that conservatism is not opposed to all change. As Russell Kirk, one of the great conservative thinkers of the 20th century, pointed out, “The conservative is not opposed to social improvement, although he doubts whether there is any such force as a mystical Progress, with a Roman P, at work in the world.”
Instead, conservatism advocates for prudent, organic change that builds upon the foundations of the past rather than seeking to raze everything to the ground and start anew. This approach recognizes the complexity of human societies and the law of unintended consequences that often accompanies sweeping reforms.
Conservative thinkers from Edmund Burke to Friedrich Hayek have warned against the dangers of trying to remake society according to abstract rational plans. They argue that society is far too complex to be fully understood or controlled by any individual or group of planners. Instead, they advocate for an approach that respects the accumulated wisdom embodied in existing institutions and practices.
This doesn’t mean that all existing arrangements are perfect or that no changes should ever be made. Rather, it suggests that changes should be made carefully and incrementally, with due respect for existing structures and norms. When reforms are necessary, they should be undertaken with humility and a recognition of our own limitations.
A Bulwark Against Extremism
In a world characterized by rapid technological change, social upheaval, and ideological polarization, the conservative perspective is more important than ever. It serves as a steadying force, reminding us of the enduring truths and values that have guided human flourishing for millennia.
Moreover, conservatism provides a bulwark against the excesses of both unfettered individualism and overreaching collectivism. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves - a great chain of being that links past, present, and future generations.
Conservatism acts as a check on utopian impulses that, however well-intentioned, often lead to disastrous consequences. The 20th century provides ample evidence of the dangers of ideologies that seek to create a perfect society by discarding all existing structures and norms. From the French Revolution to communist regimes, history is littered with examples of how such radical approaches often lead to tyranny and human suffering.
At the same time, conservatism also resists the atomizing tendencies of extreme individualism. While valuing individual liberty, it recognizes that humans are inherently social beings who find fulfillment in community and shared purpose. By emphasizing the importance of family, community, and tradition, conservatism offers an antidote to the alienation and rootlessness that often characterize modern life.
Living Out Conservative Principles
So how can we apply these principles in our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the inheritance we’ve received from past generations. Take time to study history, read classic literature, and engage with traditional art forms. This not only enriches our own lives but helps us to better understand and appreciate the foundations of our society.
2. Invest in the institutions that form the backbone of society. Strengthen your family ties, participate actively in your local community, and engage thoughtfully in the political process. Remember that society is built from the bottom up, not the top down.
3. Approach societal challenges with a combination of principled conviction and practical wisdom. Resist the allure of simplistic solutions and grand utopian schemes. Instead, seek to understand issues in their full complexity and advocate for prudent, incremental reforms.
4. Be a custodian of culture. Learn and pass on traditional skills, customs, and stories. Whether it’s cooking a family recipe, practicing a traditional craft, or sharing folk tales with children, these acts help to maintain the continuity of our cultural heritage.
5. Engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold different views. Conservatism at its best is not about blind opposition to change, but about thoughtful consideration of how to preserve what is best in our society while adapting to new realities.
6. Support educational initiatives that teach critical thinking and expose students to the great ideas and debates that have shaped our civilization. A society that loses touch with its intellectual and cultural roots is vulnerable to manipulation and decay.
A Call to Action
As we navigate the intricacies of the modern world, let’s not forget the wisdom of Proverbs 22:28: “Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.” This doesn’t mean we should be inflexible or resistant to all change. Rather, it’s a reminder to approach change with humility, reverence for the past, and a deep sense of responsibility to future generations.
Being a conservative or traditionalist in today’s world is not always easy. It often means swimming against the cultural tide and being misunderstood or mischaracterized. But it is a noble calling, one that seeks to preserve and pass on the best of what we’ve inherited to those who will come after us.
In this endeavor, we must be both steadfast and adaptable. Steadfast in our commitment to enduring principles and values, but adaptable in how we apply these principles to new challenges. We must be willing to engage in the marketplace of ideas, articulating the conservative vision in ways that resonate with contemporary concerns.
Moreover, we must lead by example. If we believe in the importance of family, we must work to strengthen our own families. If we value community, we must be active participants in our local communities. If we cherish our cultural heritage, we must be active in preserving and transmitting it.
The Conservative Vision for a Flourishing Society
In closing, I want to emphasize that conservatism, properly understood, is not about nostalgia for a mythical past or resistance to all change. It is about recognizing the profound wisdom embedded in the institutions, traditions, and moral frameworks that have evolved over centuries of human experience. It is about understanding that we are part of a great continuum of human society, with responsibilities to both our ancestors and our descendants.
The conservative vision is one of a society that honors its past while facing the future with confidence. It is a vision of strong families, vibrant communities, limited but effective government, and a rich cultural life. It is a vision that recognizes both the dignity of the individual and the importance of social bonds.
As we face the challenges of the 21st century, from technological disruption to environmental concerns to geopolitical tensions, the conservative perspective offers valuable insights. It reminds us to approach these challenges with humility, to respect the complexity of human societies, and to seek solutions that build on the best of our traditions rather than discarding them wholesale.
I want to thank you again for engaging with these ideas. If you’ve found this discussion valuable, I encourage you to share it with others who might benefit from this perspective. Together, we can work to build a society that honors the wisdom of the past while meeting the challenges of the present and future.
Until next time, may God bless you and keep you.
Warmly,
Russell F. Scruton
P.S. If you haven’t already, I invite you to subscribe to this blog and encourage others to do the same. By building a community of thoughtful, engaged citizens, we can better preserve and promote the values that have long been the foundation of our civilization. Your participation in this dialogue is not just welcome – it’s essential for the continued vitality of conservative thought in our ever-changing world.