19th century Quote by Roger Scruton
“Look at what left-wing movements were like in the 19th century - they were all about progress, the engineering of the world, the reshaping of nature, and so on. It's only postwar, really, that people on the left have come to see the environment as a critical issue.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Meaning of Conservatism, Roger Scruton, 1980
In the 19th century leftist groups focused on industrial progress and reshaping nature, while environmental concern only became central after WWII.
In simple terms: Early left ignored environment; later left prioritizes it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how political priorities shift over time.
Themes
politics
environment
history
ideology
progress
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- education curricula
- activist strategies
- media narratives
Key Concepts
conservatism
industrialization
environmentalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do historical contexts shape current political agendas?
- Can progress be redefined without harming nature?
A Different Perspective
Environmental urgency may be sidelined by economic growth goals.
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
