Monday, February 6, 2012

Conservative 'Values'

Perhaps it's time to review just what are "Conservative Values."  As I find elaborations on the definition or to define social or fiscal conservatives, I will add to this list.  This list is by no means exhaustive.

Let's start with a general overview:  "Conservatism is not so much a philosophy as an attitude, a constant force, performing a timeless function in the development of a free society, and corresponding to a deep and permanent requirement of human nature itself."

Viscount Hailsham. The Conservative Case. Middlesex: Penguin Books, 1959

Here's a short list from Conservapedia http://bit.ly/cs22O so everyone can see how their views might match individually.

Conservative values recognize the adversarial nature of politics, and much in life. As a result of their ability to deal with adversity, conservative values are superb in defending against obesity, addiction, adversity, anxiety, fear, depression, narcissism, risky law-breaking activities like dangerous driving, self-destructive behavior, illiteracy, rejection, wastefulness, and serious mental disorders. Conservatives are happier than liberals, and one study gives a reason: conservatives do not insist upon a mindless equality.

Conservative values are also helpful in recognizing and combating deceit. A conservative understands the many incentives by others to engage in deceit, and the political power that can result from such deceit. A conservative is often not surprised by the deception that fools others.

Conservative values include:

  • placing ideas and principles above personal desire, weaknesses, fears and regrets
  • a never-ending quest for the truth, despite obstacles based on emotion and personal experience, and spreading such truths for the benefit of all
  • recognizing and utilizing the benefits of competition and hard work
  • emphasizing charity, with its unexpected benefits, rather than compulsory tax-and-spend programs
  • teaching self-help rather than dependence on government and others
  • a devotion to the principle of justice
  • supporting self-defense
  • recognizing the media for its bias, bullying, deception.
  • frugality and efficiency
  • rejecting the deification of government officials
  • giving those in authority due respect, but not to the point of accepting orders or assertions that are contrary to logic or morality
  • downplaying significance of wealth, disparities in wealth, and materialism in general
  • emphasizing self-reliance and being able to keep the fruits of one's labor
  • not complaining, and instead taking practical action to improve one's situation
  • emphasizing self-restraint against hurtful activities
  • emphasizing humility and open-mindedness instead of arrogant certainty about one's own views
  • recognizing the power of the free market
  • understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats, e.g. tax cuts benefit all.
  • self-control as opposed to a self-indulgent search for instant gratification of desires.
Let's all be able to defend Conservatism at all times from those that seek to destroy it. We can use it also to see how the current GOP candidates stand up to it.

Update, 02/07/2012:

"What do we call conservative, and what do we call liberal, in daily life? A conservative explains behavior spiritually, and personalizes responsibility. In Aristotelian terms, the principle of motion is within us [God]. A liberal, by contrast, explains behavior mechanically, and externalizes responsibility: the principle of motion is outside us [the State]. Thus, in the typical policy debate, a liberal makes excuses for the human agent, and a conservative places blame. The spark of the liberal argument — He didn’t have the same opportunities you did — meets the conservative conceptual firewall: Lots of people start poor, but still find ways to make it."   [Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness]    (comments in [ ] are mine)
  • Mark Riebling, "Prospectus For a Critique of Conservative Reason (Sept. 2009)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I will never read your posts because of your comments on other post you have no credibility and are not worth reading.

The True Conservatve said...

An WHO shall be the judge in determining if these qualities are representative in various candidate?

What if I see these qualities in the candidate I support and you don't.

Who is right?

Anonymous said...

Then you sir are not a conservative. ;)

Anonymous said...

@The True Conservatve [sic] that is for you to decide in your conscience. Your responsibility as a citizen & voter.

Right Wingnut said...

When Romney supporters complain about a post like this, I take it as an acknowledgement that their candidate doesn't meet these standards.

GetReal said...

"emphasizing humility and open-mindedness instead of arrogant certainty about one's own views"

I think just about everyone here, myself and the author included, fall short of this definition of conservatism, at least at times.

Anonymous said...

This is a completely pro-Romney post. Most of the values listed require discipline and self-control-- which Romney is all about: hard work, not complaining, self-reliance, frugality, efficientcy....

(Since he's always living such values, this may be why he has laser like focus and makes him appear a little rigid.)

Publius Nemo said...

Good list of characteristics for the GOP and some good mottos. I like the "rising tide lifts all boats." Great analogy. Gracias! PN

Machtyn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Machtyn said...

If "not complaining" is on that list ... Oh, look, there it is. Wait for the whine and complain that Santorum will do when Romney starts picking up the attack. Or, rather, check out the whine and complain Santorum has already performed in most of the previous debates.

In fact, nearly the entire list fits Mitt Romney to a "T". Santorum? Not so much. Gingrich? Hardly.