Quotation: Michael Oakeshott
Quotation is the latest
feature for Surfeited by Dainties. It will be a quote relating to some
theme the site touches on. You are welcome to comment on them
yourself- and soon I will add an e-mail address at which you can submit
quotations.
Taken from “On Being a Conservative” from Rationalism in Politics and Other Essays
Also quoted in Chilton Williamson’s The Conservative Bookshelf
Taken from “On Being a Conservative” from Rationalism in Politics and Other Essays
To be conservative, then, is to prefer the familiar to the unknown, to prefer the tried to the untried, fact to mystery, the actual to the possible, the limited to the unbounded, the near to the distant, the sufficient to the superabundant, the convenient to the perfect, present laughter to utopian bliss. Familiar relationships will be preferred to the allure of more profitable attachments; to acquire and enlarge will be less important than to keep, to cultivate, and enjoy; the grief of loss will be more acute than the excitement of novelty or promise. It is to be equal to one’s fortune, to live at the level of one’s own means, to be content with the want of greater perfection which belongs to itself and one’s circumstances. With some people this is itself a choice; in others it is a disposition which appears, frequently or less frequently, in their preferences and aversions, and is not self chosen or specifically cultivated.
Also quoted in Chilton Williamson’s The Conservative Bookshelf
Posted on 3/26/2005 04:57 PM
by
Michael Brendan Dougherty
in Quotations
|
2 Comments
Share this: del.icio.us | Digg | Google | Ma.gnolia | Reddit | Stumble Upon | Technorati
Michael Brendan Dougherty
in Quotations
|
2 Comments
Share this: del.icio.us | Digg | Google | Ma.gnolia | Reddit | Stumble Upon | Technorati
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (2)
My second observation would be that I think he's describing a good conservative temperment, not an ideal man.
Lastly, Chilton offers two definitions for 'conservatism" in this excellent book. His first and preffered definition is this:
"Conservatism, rightly understood, is man's willingness to discern for himself, and to accept from God, a fundamental, practical just, human and unchangeable plan for man- and to stick with it . "
He then says "The primary distinction within the conservative tradition, is the most hoary one as well. It amounts to a conservatism founded uncompromisingly on eternal principles and the conservatism that appeals to historical context and the status quo, prudence, and pragmatism."
I think Oakeshott who also wrote "Rationalism in Politics" which criticized the idea that politics should be guided by Reason unaided, is partially describing this second type of historicist conservative.
Your affinity for Catholic ressetlment certainly shows a bit of the first radical type conservative. BUt your desire to find a small place and cultivate a modest lifestyle shows a bit of the second type. A radical Catholic might say he cares not where he lays his head because in the end his body is nothing and soon he will lay down in Canaan.
These are my speculations anyway. I highly recommend Chilton Williamson's book - his prose is excellent, his editorial choices are unique, and being a Traditional Catholic like yourself he brings a very large perspective. His chapters on economics begin with Rerum Novarum.