The conservatives have already accepted a large part of…
“The conservatives have already accepted a large part of the collectivist creed-a creed that has governed policy for so long that many of its institutions have come to be accepted as a matter of course and have become a source of pride to "conservative" parties who created them. Here the believer in freedom cannot but conflict with the conservative and take an essentially radical position, directed against popular prejudices, entrenched positions, and firmly established privileges. Follies and abuses are no better for having long been established principles of folly.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Conservatives often embrace long‑standing collectivist policies, making radical freedom‑seeking conflict inevitable.
In simple terms: Conservatives keep old collective ideas; freedom seekers clash with them.
Key Takeaway
Challenge entrenched norms with fresh perspectives.
Themes
politics
ideology
freedom
conservatism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- grassroots activism
- academic debate
- legislative lobbying
Key Concepts
Collectivism
radicalism
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- How can reform balance tradition and liberty?
- What safeguards prevent radical change from causing instability?
A Different Perspective
Long‑standing policies may have practical benefits that resist abrupt change.