Skip to content

Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamored of existing…

“Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them with others.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
Download Open image
“Conservative, n: A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal who wishes to replace them with others.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Conservatives cling to harmful traditions, whereas liberals seek to replace them, often with new flaws.

In simple terms: Conservatives preserve evils; liberals swap them.

Key Takeaway

Recognize flaws in any ideology.

Themes

politics ideology tradition

Mood

critical analytical

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • social reform
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

conservatism liberalism systemic critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden harms exist in current policies?
  • Can reform truly avoid creating new issues?
A Different Perspective

Both sides can perpetuate problems if not self‑critical.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Ambrose Bierce

Explore all 1,157 Ambrose Bierce quotes

More Conservative quotes

Browse all 2,995 Conservative quotes