Symposium: Aesthetic Conservatism and Hope - Intercollegiate Studies Institute

Symposium: Aesthetic Conservatism and Hope

This article is in response to “Rescuing Freedom from Despair and is part of the symposium on What Is Wrong with Conservatism and How Do We Make It Right?

Modern conservatism is composed of two distinct, though not mutually exclusive, branches.

First, there’s electoral conservatism, forged by the Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, encouraged by editorialist William F. Buckley, and topped off by President Ronald Reagan. This is the conservatism of everyday politics, or what I would call Public Square Conservatism. It strives to connect voters with generally conservative candidates who, at their best, promote markets, freedom, Constitutionalism, and a respect for individuals and families.

Second, there’s the aesthetic conservatism of people like Russell Kirk and, more recently, the bloggers at the Imaginative Conservative. These folks aren’t against winning elections, but their conservatism is more about a poetic and traditional worldview and less about the ballot box. This version of what Kirk called “conscious conservatism” roots itself in history, a belief in a transient order, and the idea that change, if it must come, should be pursued prudently.

Forgetting the aesthetic branch of conservatism in favor of the electoral rat race is what leads to despair.The conservative who only sees the world only in terms of political advantage is no better than a utilitarian or a Marxist. This is the conservatism of political ideology, at the expense of soulfulness. Such conservatives, after losing elections, become confused curmudgeons. Just look at our current Republican leadership in the House. The Government Shutdown Caucus has lost sight of history and eternity. For them, the days until the debt ceiling expires mark all the time in the world.

Aesthetic conservatism offers us that much-need optimism. Saving America from the costs of Obamacare is a worthy goal. Saving our souls is an even better one.

 

 

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