How to be a conservative

Roger Scruton's How to be a Conservative offers a practical guide for living as a conservative in today's world, emphasizing the retention of what is valuable and the rejection of modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Roger Scruton's How to be a Conservative offers a compelling and practical guide for living as a conservative in today's world, challenging the pressures to conform to other ideologies. Rather than dwelling on what has been lost, the book focuses on what has been retained and explores strategies for preserving it. Drawing on his extensive experience as a counter-cultural figure in public life, Scruton examines the principles of nationalism, socialism, capitalism, liberalism, multiculturalism, environmentalism, internationalism, and conservatism. He offers a witty and frank account of these ideologies, examining their strengths and weaknesses. The book concludes on a personal note, offering a valediction that forbids mourning but acknowledges the loss of certain values.

In his book, Scruton challenges the notion that conservatism is a nostalgic movement focused on preserving the past. He argues that conservatism is a living philosophy that responds to the challenges of the present and the future. He emphasizes the importance of tradition, stability, and order, which he believes are essential for promoting individual freedom and social harmony. Scruton also criticizes the excesses and failures of modern liberalism, which he sees as promoting individualism, relativism, and a disregard for traditional values.

One of the key themes of How to be a Conservative is the importance of nationalism. Scruton argues that nationalism is not a threat to globalism but rather a means of promoting national identity and preserving cultural heritage. He emphasizes the need for nations to have a shared sense of purpose and values, which can be achieved through a strong national identity and a commitment to traditional institutions.

Another important theme in the book is the role of the family in society. Scruton argues that the family is the foundation of society and that it is essential for promoting individual responsibility, social cohesion, and moral values. He emphasizes the need for parents to instill in their children a sense of duty, respect, and love for their country and for their fellow citizens.

Scruton also discusses the importance of education in promoting conservatism. He argues that education should be focused on promoting critical thinking, moral values, and a sense of national identity. He believes that education should be tailored to the needs of individual students and that it should be grounded in the traditional values of Western civilization.

In conclusion, Roger Scruton's How to be a Conservative is a valuable and insightful guide for living as a conservative in today's world. The book offers a practical and philosophical approach to conservatism, challenging the pressures to conform to other ideologies and promoting the values of tradition, stability, and order. By examining the principles of nationalism, socialism, capitalism, liberalism, multiculturalism, environmentalism, internationalism, and conservatism, Scruton provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the conservative worldview.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 137 x 215 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472965233