THE GLASS WOULD BE HALF EMPTY IF WE STILL USED GLASS:

Conservatism and Progress (Paul Cella, September 25, 2002)

Reason alone is simply not a solid enough foundation upon which to build a civilization; it does not hold final sway over the minds of human beings; stronger elements must be employed: habit, prejudice, prescription. That was Burke's teaching, and I do not think it has been refuted, neither by argument nor by experience. Burke does not disdain reform. But it must be done with care for the organic thing that is human society, for the traditions into which men of genius and of modesty alike have infused their hard earned wisdom and lessons for posterity. Tradition should be venerated; that the past is full viciousness and injustice only strengthens the necessity for taking it seriously.

Mr. Cella weighs in on the issue of optimistic vs. pessimistic conservatism. Posted by Orrin Judd at September 25, 2002 11:03 AM