Conservatism is a coherent philosophy that essentially argues we should be beware of perfectionism and radical change, and we should regard tradition favourably as it has ‘evolved’ to deal with social and political problems. Tradition provides checks and balances that we may find we desperately need even if the traditions may look silly. Rituals can provide stability and, sometimes, tacit understandings of life. Conservatism instinctively knows about social complexity, and that deliberate change can be disorderly. In Conservatism people aim to produce islands of order amidst the flux of life.
Conservatism argues that people are not equal in everything. Different people are better at different things than others, consequently we should always listen to the advice of experts or experienced people, while being aware they may be corrupted by self-interest. We should be beware of abstract theoretical knowledge which may miss important ‘irrationalities’, and prefer the knowledge of the craftsperson with experience, whose work we can judge by its excellence. We should particularly be beware of demagogues; that is people who say anything, lie continually, and constantly shift position so as to persuade people to follow them. Demagoguery leads to tyranny, as it suffers no interior compunction to do what is right.
This presents a mild problem because it is impossible to govern ‘practically’ without some deception as you are trying to persuade conflictual groups to work together. However, people (and leaders in particular) should in general cultivate truth as truth is the ultimate basis of understanding, morality and good governance. As humans are prone to self-deception the commitment to truth is a commitment to honour. People can have no lasting agreements without honour.
Honour means keeping your word, and being trustworthy, especially when it is difficult. Trust is the basis of society. Without trust and the honour necessary to keep trust, everything falls apart. Virtue is often difficult and people who say we should not do the right thing, because it is difficult, should be shunned. Honour is also involved in being polite. Politeness is a ritual which indicates respect for others and oneself, and helps cement social solidarity and free discussion. One should be polite to one’s inferiors, as ‘there but for the grace of God go I’. Calling people you disagree with ‘libtards,’ screaming extermination threats at them, or lying about their policies, is neither polite nor conservative – it is demagoguery and to be shunned.
Conservatives believe cultural heritage is important – people should be aware of the best that has been thought, written, painted and composed. Appreciation of good art and philosophy is vital to cultivation of the soul and the development of character, as are tests and challenges. Those people who are particularly good at these kind of things should be encouraged to act as exemplars for us all, as humans tend to learn by imitation. If society values the best, then people will live up to the best.
Religion should be treated with respect, but we should be aware of the potential for religions to become extreme. Moderation is important, as it is to all virtues. The idea of God is necessary for human morality, human modesty, and the cultivation of tradition. Attending religious events also builds social solidarity, as all layers of society mix harmoniously and observe each other. If the rulers show no respect for God and tradition then ordinary people will loose it as well. It used to be said ironically that the Church of England was the Tory Party at prayer, but this should held to be entirely correct without irony.
While power should be centered in the Government and a governmental elite (ie people with experience and knowledge), the government should not have total power, and there should be a large number of other sources of power, so that one source of power does not dominate over all the others, and the self-interest of the governmental elite is checked.
This is the basis of Civil society, and organisations of business people, soldiers, workers, churches, ‘media’, arts and so on are vital to maintain this balance. Wealth is good, not because it enables show or power (that is to be disapproved of), but because it enables people to engage in actions, like supporting charity, the arts, philosophy, and because it provides the leisure necessary for people to cultivate excellence. However, wealth is not to be allowed to control Government, any more than should the military or the churches.
Conservatism is an art of cultivation. It attempts to bring out the best in people, and conserve and beautify the land they live in. Progress occurs gradually and builds upon experience, not on abstraction.
Unfortunately there are very few Conservatives any more. Most have sold out to the corporate sector who will do anything to make a buck. Corporations have little respect for tradition, art, honour, truthfulness, politeness, religion, moderation, or diversity of power. The more we cultivate corporate power, then the more we tend to destroy those things that conservatives value.
Conservatives are trying to be good people, and that is important. And I think many people on the Right would like to be conservative, but are not served well by their parties, just as people on the Left are not served well by their parties.
See also: Three forms of Contemporary Politics, and
Conservatives, the Left and the Right
Tags: complexity, ethics, religion
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