There is always a certain meanness in the argument of conservatism, joined with a certain superiority in its fact.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Conservative arguments often seem weak in logic but strong in facts.
- In plain terms
- Conservatism has good facts but weak reasoning.
- What can you take from it?
- Be aware of how arguments are presented.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do arguments feel weak?
- What is conservatism?
Another view
Progressive arguments can also have these same flaws.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Literature is the effort of man to indemnify himself for the wrongs of his condition.
Permalink to quote #9 The two parties which divide the State, the party of Conservatism and that of Innovation are very old, and have disputed the possession of the world ever since…
Permalink to quote #11 Yet a man may love a paradox, without losing either his wit or his honesty.
Permalink to quote #8
Related quotes
If one rejects laissez faire on account of mans fallibility and moral weakness, one must for the same reason also reject every kind of government action. -- Pl…
Ludwig von MisesLudwig von Mises quote #1 I would be unelectable. I'm an atheist. As we all know, that is something people won't accept.
Ron ReaganRon Reagan quote #1 The conservation movement is a breeding ground of Communists and other subversives. We intend to clean them out, even if it means rounding up every bird watche…
John MitchellJohn Mitchell quote #1