Roger Kimball discusses the importance of adopting a cheerful and realistic perspective in conservatism, arguing against the prevalent pessimism within certain conservative circles. He emphasizes that a realistic worldview—marked by humor and acceptance of human imperfection—is essential for a healthy conservative movement.
1. Narrative Formation: Kimball reflects on how public opinion gets shaped, often from ill-informed opinions stated by influential figures. These can quickly become accepted truths despite being based on flawed premises.
2. Conservative Gloominess: Kimball has collected pessimistic articles predicting negative outcomes for conservatism and American society. He notes that while conservatives have historically produced dire literature, this tendency towards gloom is not typical of the conservative mindset.
3. Conservatism vs. Progressivism: Traditional conservatives differ from their progressive counterparts. Kimball argues that conservatives should typically possess cheerfulness, recognizing humanity's limitations without being disheartened. In contrast, some progressives are caught in cycles of disappointed utopian expectations.
4. Realism and Humor: Conservatives often hold a realistic view on humanity and enjoy humor. They do not take human imperfection as a moral failure and tend to celebrate current blessings while being cautious about grand reforms.
5. The Danger of Professional Gloom: A pervasive sense of despair among conservatives can stifle creative critique and satire. This negativity conflicts with the optimistic spirit traditionally found in conservatism.
6. Understanding Truth: Kimball emphasizes conservatives’ drive for truthful discourse. They prefer to label issues accurately, confronting ideas like affirmative action and taxation head-on, rather than accepting euphemistic language that obscures reality.
7. Value of Community: While concepts like "diversity" are prominent, Kimball argues that shared values and traditions should also be prioritized. Historical perspectives remind us that true community is built on common beliefs.
8. Caution Against Unforeseen Consequences: The essence of conservatism is rooted in acknowledging that actions often lead to unexpected and sometimes negative results. For instance, interventions intended to help can inadvertently create greater societal issues. This historical lesson is vital for conservative thought.
9. Reform and Its Implications: The article critiques the progressive notion that more reforms are the answer to problems, asserting that often these reforms magnify existing issues instead of alleviating them.
10. Cultural Resilience: Kimball references Matthew Arnold’s belief in a cultural safeguard, suggesting that within modern societies, there exists a "saving remnant" capable of pushing back against chaos and preserving order.
Kimball concludes that the current wave of gloominess in conservative discourse is contrary to its foundational principles. Emphasizing realism, humor, and community should guide conservatives to reconsider their outlook and strengthen their resolve against despair. The challenge lies in maintaining a positive, realistic perspective that reflects the true nature of conservatism and its ability to confront modern challenges.
https://amgreatness.com/2026/02/01/conservatisms-case-for-cheerful-realism/
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