Arnold quotes Leslie: "Liberalism is basically explore mode - it says, let’s allow everyone to experiment and let’s rethink everything from first principles. Conservatism says we should draw on the wisdom encoded in traditions and historical norms." (Arnold goes on to rightly point out the left does not say allow everyone to experiment, but demands everybody follow its dictates).
Conservatism rightly understood does not say we should exclusively draw on traditions and norms; rather it sees them as starting points subject to thoughtful evaluation from whence cautious departure might be taken when warranted. Conservatism looks toward moderate reform, understanding that changes in traditions and norms take time. As Burke put it, you cannot tear down and build up cultures like builders tear down and construct buildings.
I've heard comments before on the difference in a liberal and a leftist that I liked. I wish I kept a list. This is a great one too. I suppose I could easily find a decent list with a Google search.
... Wait a minute. ARNOLD, I CALL BULL$#@+. The contemporary right also doesn't come close to behaving as Leslie (or Thucydides) describes conservatism. Why aren't you critiquing that side?? Does it create any less friction in political life?
Arnold quotes Leslie: "Liberalism is basically explore mode - it says, let’s allow everyone to experiment and let’s rethink everything from first principles. Conservatism says we should draw on the wisdom encoded in traditions and historical norms." (Arnold goes on to rightly point out the left does not say allow everyone to experiment, but demands everybody follow its dictates).
Conservatism rightly understood does not say we should exclusively draw on traditions and norms; rather it sees them as starting points subject to thoughtful evaluation from whence cautious departure might be taken when warranted. Conservatism looks toward moderate reform, understanding that changes in traditions and norms take time. As Burke put it, you cannot tear down and build up cultures like builders tear down and construct buildings.
Off topic comment, but saw this link this morning and relevant to your interest in the p factor...
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.05.23.23290405v1
I've heard comments before on the difference in a liberal and a leftist that I liked. I wish I kept a list. This is a great one too. I suppose I could easily find a decent list with a Google search.
... Wait a minute. ARNOLD, I CALL BULL$#@+. The contemporary right also doesn't come close to behaving as Leslie (or Thucydides) describes conservatism. Why aren't you critiquing that side?? Does it create any less friction in political life?
Interesting insight!