The Six Canons of Conservative Thought

As I mentioned briefly in the dilemma blog, Russell Kirk says there are six canons of the conservative thought. These can be found in the first chapter of Kirk's profound book, "The Conservative Mind". As you may have noticed (the intelligent observers among you...) the heading of my blog is named the same. This is because Kirk's book was one of my first steps to knowing why I was raised a conservative and not remaining satisfied by quality breeding and nurturing. Although quality breeding on my parents part was definitely not left out. Thanks Dad and Mom.

Now this may be hard to grasp for all of you non-believers out there, but conservatism has its deepest roots in Christianity. A more appropriate place to begin can, in my opinion, not be found.

"1) Belief in a transcendent order, or body of natural law, which rules society as well as conscience.

2) Affection for the proliferating variety and mystery of human existence, as opposed to the narrowing uniformity, egalitarianism, and utilitarian aims of most radical systems.

3) Conviction that civilized society requires orders and classes, as against the notion of a "classless society."

4) Persuasion that freedom and property are closely linked: separate property from private possession, and the Leviathan becomes master of all. Economic levelling, maintain, is not economic at all.

5) Faith in prescription and distrust of "sophisters, calculators, and economists" who would reconstruct society upon abstract designs. Customs, Convention, and old prescription are checks upon man's anarchic impulse and upon the innovator's lust for power.

6) Recognition that change may not be salutary reform: hasty innovation may be devouring conflagration, rather than a torch of progress. Society must alter, for prudent change is the means of social preservation."


As you can see the language is very complex and colorful. If you had trouble understanding some of the words as I did to start out, I implore you to find favor with your nearest dictionary.

These are the mere basics of Conservatism; the pillars and foundation which we build our temple upon. Because as I said in the dilemma blog, Conservatism is not limited to the political arena of argument or thought; it is a way of life. And to not treat it as such is failure indeed.