About this blog
In an era where the loudest voices sometimes receive the most attention, it is important to regularly refer back to time-tested philosophies and principles in order to reestablish an intellectual mooring. The aim of this blog is to examine current events and policies in light of American traditional conservative principles. The challenge we often see today is that the definition of “conservative” is often misunderstood or misapplied. At times it is treated merely as a term applied to anyone who wants limited government. This, however, misses the greater intellectual richness of the history of conservative thought.
Who is “Kirk”?
Russell Kirk was the leading figure in an effort in the 20th century to crystalize the intellectual foundation of the American conservative political movement. His seminal work, The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Santayana, examined the writings of prominent conservative figures throughout history, including Edmund Burke, John Adams, Benjamin Disraeli, and John Henry Newman and identified unifying conservative principles. These principles are:
ENDURING MORAL ORDER
A conservative believes in the existence of an enduring moral order, and that respect for this moral order is essential to a good society.
CUSTOM, CONVENTION AND CONTINUITY
Over time, humans have developed customs and conventions which guide our decision making and our society. Changes to these institutions should be made cautiously and prudently.
PRESCRIPTION
Humans stand on the shoulders of giants – those who came before us.The wisdom of the ages should be abided and innovation in the basic underpinnings of society should be approached skeptically.
PRUDENCE
Policy should be judged by its long-term consequences and not merely its short-term advantages or popularity. Reforms should be made only after substantial and careful deliberation.
VARIETY
Conservatism recognizes and celebrates the fact that individuals have differing characteristics and aptitudes. Attempts to create artificial leveling of these differences through social engineering are certain to not achieve the desired result and pose risks of creating new artificial inequalities.
IMPERFECTABILITY
Man is fallen and imperfect. Because of this fact, no perfect society can be created. Striving for utopia is folly; a conservative instead looks to time-tested principles to retain a reasonably ordered, just, and free society.
THE LINK BETWEEN FREEDOM AND PROPERTY
A free society must respect the natural right to private possession of property. Attempts to diminish this right leads to instability and tyranny.
VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY
It is through local and voluntary community that the strength of society is built. When decisions are made by a distant authority, the health of the community is diminished and endangers freedom and human dignity.
PRUDENT RESTRAINTS ON POWER
Political power must be balanced to avoid both anarchy and tyrany. Seeking to disrupt this balance in order to attain a temporary advantage will lead only to injustice.
PERMANENCE AND CHANGE
A conservative must always reconcile a respect and observance of those principles which we have inherited with the real need for prudent change and reform. Temperate and reasoned progress must respect the timeless traditions established through the ages.