rambling man
Somewhat Deadly
- Joined
- May 16, 2001
- Posts
- 1,558
I have come to the conclusion that liberalis and conservatism is the latest manifestation of the two-sided adversarial dialectic that western civilization and philosophy seems to feel most comfortable with. I would say this dates back to Plato (idealism) and Aristotle (primacy of the tangible world) Plato and Aristotle said it all when it comes down to it.
Liberalism is the modern manifestation of the idealist spirit, that there is a higher plane to which we should aspire. Sometimes, in the rush to achieve this higher plane, a liberal may grow intolerant of the realities of the world or the caution of others. We need liberalism, though, to remind us of our higher purpose in life, since many of us are no longer spiritual in any sense.
Conservatism, too is vital. It is dangerous when it is dogmatic, because it stifles creativity and growth. It is good when it is pragmatic, looking for whatever solutions might work to solve certain problems. Practicality to solve the probles of the world separates measures such as Bismarck's social legislation and Nixon's socialistic attempts to fix the economy from liberalism.
Both are necessary because they serve as a check on the other. Liberalism prevents conservatism from becoming dogmatic, and conservatism keeps liberalism from becoming too ivory tower, too other worldly....we should be thankful for each sides retraining pull on the other
Liberalism is the modern manifestation of the idealist spirit, that there is a higher plane to which we should aspire. Sometimes, in the rush to achieve this higher plane, a liberal may grow intolerant of the realities of the world or the caution of others. We need liberalism, though, to remind us of our higher purpose in life, since many of us are no longer spiritual in any sense.
Conservatism, too is vital. It is dangerous when it is dogmatic, because it stifles creativity and growth. It is good when it is pragmatic, looking for whatever solutions might work to solve certain problems. Practicality to solve the probles of the world separates measures such as Bismarck's social legislation and Nixon's socialistic attempts to fix the economy from liberalism.
Both are necessary because they serve as a check on the other. Liberalism prevents conservatism from becoming dogmatic, and conservatism keeps liberalism from becoming too ivory tower, too other worldly....we should be thankful for each sides retraining pull on the other
