THRUST FOR FREEDOM - No. 6

What does it mean to be a
CONSERVATIVE?

CONSERVATISM'S chief characteristic is that it represents the desire to retain and preserve the established knowledge and traditions of the past. Therefore, CONSERVATIVES, in general, resist and oppose changes and go slowly with respect to accepting changes.

Most people associate CONSERVATISM with political parties and programs. It is important to recognize, however, that CONSERVATISM is a broader and deeper concept than merely a political designation. The political aspects of CONSERVATISM, like the political aspects of other concepts, are mere applications - and superficial ones at that - of the concept as a whole.

Political CONSERVATIVES accept political programs that are already established. They differ from their political opponents only in the mode of implementation of their political beliefs - not in whether or not the entire political belief is morally and rationally acceptable.

Another important point to note is that CONSERVATISM is a relative concept. That which is radical and new in one age may be accepted and even considered “old hat” in another; hence, it becomes another set of CONSERVATIVE beliefs.

For instance, the American Revolution was the most creative, radical, progressive, and liberal social movement in history at the time of its inception in the 18th century. Yet, its political remnants are retained as the basis of all present-day American CONSERVATIVE political programs.

The 20th century American CONSERVATIVE is attempting to preserve (or restore) the American political republic which emerged as a consequence of the American Revolution. In other words, the present-day CONSERVATIVE is attempting to preserve 18th century liberalism.

The 18th century American CONSERVATIVE, by contrast, was trying to preserve the very monarchy which the American Revolution swept aside.

Today’s true liberal*⁽¹⁾ is no longer trying to CONSERVE the 18th century or 19th century liberalism — but, rather, is looking to 21st century concepts which he can bring about in the 20th century, and he calls himself a 21st century liberal.

Actually, most human beings are, by nature, CONSERVATIVE. That is, they respond slowly and cautiously to changes. This is not seen as a fault. It is seen as a market yardstick of restraint. Change can be good or bad. The market is the testing device to determine which is which.

The CONSERVATIVE influence of the majority makes it difficult to bring about lasting changes. Those changes which survive CONSERVATIVE opposition produce enduring progress*⁽⁵⁾ and establish a newer and higher concept for the CONSERVATIVE of the future to preserve, while he resists future changes.

The point at which CONSERVATISM becomes destructive is when it employs coercion to stifle the acceptance of a new idea.

The majority of the people are, by nature, CONSERVATIVES, in that they resist changes. Yet, most people like to think of themselves as progressive and liberal, and sometimes even revolutionary. They like the image of these words. At the same time, they oppose the very changes that the few true Progressives*⁽⁵⁾ and Liberals*⁽¹⁾ advocate.

While most people are, by nature, CONSERVATIVE, they resist the appellation of CONSERVATIVE. In other words, they reject the image of CONSERVATISM, while practicing its essential characteristics.

In short, the majority of those who call themselves liberals and progressives are die-hard CONSERVATIVES, who reject the word “CONSERVATIVE” at the very same time that they resist progress*⁽⁵⁾ and endorse the programs of the past under new labels.

* See THRUST FOR FREEDOM issue number indicated in parenthesis.