You say you are conservative—eminently conservative—while…
““You say you are conservative—eminently conservative—while we are revolutionary, destructive, or something of the sort. What is conservatism? Is it not adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried? We stick to, contend for, the identical old policy on the point in controversy which was adopted by ‘our fathers who framed the Government under which we live’; while you with one accord reject, and scout, and spit upon that old policy, and insist upon substituting something new.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Conservatism is portrayed as clinging to established traditions, while revolution seeks new ideas, highlighting tension between tradition and change.
In simple terms: Conservatism sticks to old ways; revolution pushes new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when tradition hinders progress.
Themes
tradition
change
politics
identity
conflict
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- social movements
- organizational reform
Key Concepts
conservatism
revolution
ideology
Questions to Reflect On
- What traditions still serve us?
- When should we break from the past?
A Different Perspective
Revolution can ignore valuable lessons from the past.