Emerson On Conservatism

      It's been a couple decades since I've communed with Emerson. Found this quote in an obscure speech this morning. To be fair, he had a blistering critique on the worst qualities of Liberalism as well. He argues there are times to exercise Liberal enthusiasm and times for Conservative caution. We, as people are not to be defined as one or the other. If we are wise, we recognize both within ourselves.

                                      

        “Conservatism makes no poetry, breaths no prayer, makes no invention; it is all memory. It makes a great difference to your figure and to your thought, whether your foot is advancing or receding. Conservatism never puts the foot forward; in the hour when it does, it is not establishment, but reform. Conservatism tends to universal seeming and treachery, believes in a negative fate; believes that men's temper governs them. It avails not to trust in principals (they will fail me, I must bend a little). It distrusts nature; it thinks there is a general law without a particular application – law for all that does not include anyone.”

                                                                                              Ralph Waldo Emerson