What is conservatism?

19 08 10 - 04:49

Looking for that core principle:

Conservatism consists of:

• a deep suspicion of the power of the state;


• a preference for liberty over equality;


• patriotism;


• a belief in established institutions and hierarchies;


• skepticism about the idea of progress;


• elitism


...with American conservatism emphasizing the first three. - Secular Right

Sounds like Social Darwinism: we're less concerned with trying to level the playing field than that nothing exists to obstruct the best from rising.

I'll submit an even simpler answer: conservatism is about adapting to reality. Liberalism is about making nice on a social level.

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