How to be a Conservative

Introduction

In a world that often leans towards progressive ideologies, traditional conservatism can seem outdated or even regressive. However, in his book "How to be a Conservative," Roger Scruton presents a compelling case for conservative thought and its relevance in modern society. This summary explores Scruton's journey to conservatism and his key ideas about how conservative principles can contribute to a healthy, functioning society.

Scruton's Path to Conservatism

Roger Scruton's journey to conservatism began in an unlikely place: a Labour-voting family in inner-city Manchester. Despite his working-class background, several key experiences shaped his conservative worldview:

1. His father's campaign against suburban sprawl: Although a socialist, Scruton's father had a deep appreciation for the English countryside and traditional architecture. This taught Scruton the value of conservation, especially when proposed alternatives seemed inferior.

2. The May 1968 riots in Paris: Witnessing middle-class students destroying property and attacking police, Scruton felt anger towards those who seemed to be rebelling against the very society that afforded them their privileges.

3. Margaret Thatcher's leadership: After a period of decline in the UK during the 1970s, Thatcher's premiership brought a renewed sense of national confidence. Her emphasis on individual responsibility and free enterprise resonated with Scruton.

4. Visiting Communist Czechoslovakia: In 1979, Scruton saw firsthand the devastating effects of radical leftism on individual potential. Highly educated professionals were reduced to menial labor under the authoritarian regime.

These experiences solidified Scruton's commitment to conservatism and the preservation of freedom.

Building Society from Below

One of Scruton's core beliefs is that society should be built organically from below, rather than imposed from above. This idea stands in contrast to both socialist and capitalist ideologies that attempt to mold society according to predetermined plans.

Scruton draws inspiration from the 19th-century British philosopher Edmund Burke, who criticized the top-down approach of the French Revolution. Burke argued that societies need "affection and loyalty" – the bonds formed in families, workplaces, schools, and local communities. These grassroots interactions teach important values like personal responsibility and mutual assistance.

The collapse of Communist countries provides evidence for this view. When these regimes fell, it was the organic civil society that endured, not the imposed political structures. Scruton argues that seemingly "purposeless" activities like friendship and neighborliness are what truly sustain a society, rather than external political visions.

The Importance of Civil Associations

Scruton emphasizes the value of voluntary civil associations in a healthy society. These include clubs, private schools, discussion groups, and various other organizations that bring people together based on shared interests or goals. While some argue that such associations can create unfair advantages, Scruton believes the solution is to make them more accessible rather than shutting them down.

For example, instead of banning private schools to address educational inequality, Scruton suggests offering bursaries and vouchers to make them more accessible to less privileged students. He argues that destroying these institutions would only eliminate valuable expertise and resources.

More broadly, Scruton sees these associations as crucial components of civil society. They provide spaces for people to develop skills, form bonds, and contribute to the social fabric in ways that top-down government initiatives cannot replicate.

The Nation-State as a Unifying Force

While nationalism has become associated with negative connotations due to historical atrocities, Scruton distinguishes between destructive nationalism and a healthy sense of belonging to a nation-state. He argues that the nation-state plays a vital role in fostering social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among diverse populations.

Scruton compares the nation-state to a family:

• It allows for disagreements and factions but ultimately requires compromise for the greater good.
• It creates a shared identity, a "we" that transcends individual differences.
• It's based on a secular foundation, making it more inclusive than religious or ethnic identities.

The national identity, according to Scruton, is the product of countless compromises developed over time. It brings together people from various backgrounds and can incorporate minorities of all kinds. This shared sense of belonging is what allows people with vastly different beliefs and lifestyles to live peacefully side by side.

The Free Market with Caveats

Scruton acknowledges the reality of inequality in modern society but argues that a free market economy is the most practical solution. He explains the importance of the price mechanism in efficiently allocating resources based on supply and demand – something that centrally planned economies struggle to achieve.

However, Scruton also recognizes that an unconstrained free market can lead to problems. He argues that for a free market to function properly, it must be bound by:

1. The rule of law: To ensure that people and businesses bear the costs of their actions, not just the benefits.
2. Moral values: The grassroots social bonds and ethical principles that emerge organically in society.

Scruton uses the example of the 2008 financial crisis to illustrate how a lack of accountability and moral restraint in the free market can lead to disaster.

Traditional Liberalism vs. Modern Human Rights

Scruton draws a distinction between the concept of rights as understood by traditional liberalism and the modern interpretation of human rights. He traces the idea of "natural rights" back to John Locke, who saw them as guarantees of individual sovereignty and protection from coercion.

This traditional understanding of rights focuses on negative freedoms – prohibiting certain actions to ensure liberty. In contrast, modern human rights often involve positive duties, requiring states to provide specific benefits or protections.

Scruton argues that this shift has led to problems:

• It can be used to guarantee assistance to those who may not deserve it.
• It can undermine public policy designed for the common good.
• It often results in adversarial legal battles rather than compromise and reconciliation.

From a conservative perspective, many modern human rights are actually claims rather than fundamental liberties, and their application can lead to unintended consequences.

Multiculturalism and Western Values

Scruton acknowledges the success of multiculturalism in Western countries but argues that this success is rooted in Enlightenment traditions. He believes that the secular, civic culture of the West has created societies that can welcome people from diverse backgrounds.

However, Scruton is critical of those who seek to denigrate or deconstruct these Enlightenment traditions. He argues that attacks on reason, objectivity, and Western civilization itself threaten the very foundations that make multiculturalism possible.

Scruton makes several key points:

• Culture is not the same as race, and criticizing cultural practices is not inherently racist.
• It's becoming increasingly difficult to criticize harmful cultural practices due to fears of being labeled racist or imperialist.
• A cohesive society cannot be built on repudiating its cultural inheritance.

The conservative solution, according to Scruton, is to defend the Enlightenment's legacy. This shared culture, with its laws and freedoms, is what makes Western societies attractive to people from around the world.

The Role of Opportunity

Scruton believes that creating opportunities is more effective than imposing equality. He argues that attempts to eliminate all forms of privilege or advantage often lead to unintended consequences and can stifle social mobility.

Instead of shutting down institutions that confer advantages, Scruton suggests making them more accessible:

• For private schools, this could mean offering scholarships and bursaries to talented students from less privileged backgrounds.
• For exclusive clubs or societies, it could involve creating pathways for broader membership or participation.

The goal is to preserve the benefits and expertise these institutions offer while expanding access to a wider range of people. This approach, Scruton argues, is more likely to foster genuine social mobility and opportunity than heavy-handed attempts to enforce equality.

The Importance of Tradition

Throughout his work, Scruton emphasizes the value of tradition in maintaining social cohesion and cultural continuity. He argues that traditions evolve organically over time, incorporating the wisdom and experiences of generations.

Key aspects of Scruton's view on tradition include:

• Traditions provide a sense of stability and belonging in a rapidly changing world.
• They offer tested solutions to social problems that have stood the test of time.
• Traditions can adapt and evolve, but radical attempts to dismantle them often lead to unforeseen negative consequences.

Scruton cautions against dismissing traditions as outdated or oppressive without carefully considering their underlying value and function in society.

The Conservative Approach to Change

While conservatism is often associated with resistance to change, Scruton presents a more nuanced view. He argues that conservatives are not opposed to all change, but rather advocate for careful, incremental reforms that respect existing social structures and traditions.

The conservative approach to change, according to Scruton, involves:

• Recognizing the complexity of society and the potential for unintended consequences.
• Preserving what works while cautiously addressing problems.
• Respecting the wisdom embedded in long-standing institutions and practices.
• Seeking to improve rather than completely overhaul existing systems.

This measured approach to change, Scruton argues, is more likely to lead to stable, lasting improvements in society than radical upheavals.

The Importance of Personal Responsibility

A key theme in Scruton's conservative philosophy is the emphasis on personal responsibility. He argues that a healthy society requires individuals to take ownership of their actions and their lives, rather than relying solely on the state or other institutions.

Scruton believes that personal responsibility:

• Fosters self-reliance and individual growth.
• Strengthens communities by encouraging mutual support and cooperation.
• Leads to more efficient and effective solutions to social problems than top-down interventions.

While acknowledging the need for social safety nets, Scruton cautions against creating a culture of dependency that undermines individual initiative and responsibility.

The Role of Religion and Morality

Although Scruton's conservatism is not inherently religious, he recognizes the important role that religion and shared moral values play in society. He argues that these provide a foundation for social cohesion and ethical behavior that secular institutions alone cannot replicate.

Key points in Scruton's view on religion and morality include:

• Religious traditions often embody centuries of moral wisdom and social norms.
• Shared moral values, whether religious or secular, help bind communities together.
• The decline of religious influence in society creates challenges in maintaining social cohesion and moral consensus.

Scruton suggests that even in increasingly secular societies, conservatives should seek to preserve the moral and social benefits traditionally provided by religious institutions.

The Conservative Vision for Education

Education plays a crucial role in Scruton's conservative philosophy. He argues for an education system that:

• Emphasizes the transmission of cultural knowledge and values.
• Maintains high academic standards and rigor.
• Respects the authority of teachers and educational institutions.
• Balances innovation with the preservation of proven educational methods.

Scruton is critical of educational trends that prioritize self-expression or political ideology over the acquisition of knowledge and skills. He believes that a solid grounding in history, literature, and traditional academic subjects is essential for producing well-rounded, critically thinking citizens.

The Importance of Aesthetic Values

Scruton, who was also a philosopher of aesthetics, argues that conservative thought should extend to the preservation of beauty in both the natural and built environments. He believes that aesthetic values play a crucial role in creating livable communities and fostering a sense of belonging.

Key aspects of Scruton's aesthetic conservatism include:

• Preserving historic architecture and traditional urban planning principles.
• Protecting natural landscapes from unnecessary development.
• Promoting artistic and cultural traditions that connect people to their heritage.
• Criticizing modernist architecture and urban planning that disregards human scale and local context.

Scruton argues that these aesthetic considerations are not mere luxuries but essential components of a society that values its history and seeks to create harmonious living spaces for its citizens.

The Conservative Approach to Environmentalism

While environmentalism is often associated with left-wing politics, Scruton argues that conservatives have a unique and valuable perspective to offer on environmental issues. His conservative environmentalism emphasizes:

• Local stewardship and personal responsibility for the environment.
• Skepticism towards large-scale, top-down environmental regulations.
• Preservation of natural and cultural landscapes as part of national heritage.
• Market-based solutions to environmental problems where possible.

Scruton believes that the conservative emphasis on tradition, local community, and personal responsibility can contribute to more effective and sustainable environmental practices.

Conclusion: The Continuing Relevance of Conservatism

In "How to be a Conservative," Roger Scruton presents a thoughtful and nuanced case for conservative principles in the modern world. While acknowledging the challenges faced by conservative thought in contemporary society, he argues that conservative ideas remain crucial for maintaining social stability, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering individual liberty.

Key takeaways from Scruton's conservative philosophy include:

• The importance of building society from the bottom up, rather than imposing top-down solutions.
• The value of the nation-state as a unifying force in diverse societies.
• The need for a free market economy tempered by moral values and the rule of law.
• The distinction between traditional liberties and modern interpretations of human rights.
• The importance of defending Western Enlightenment values while embracing multiculturalism.
• The role of tradition, personal responsibility, and aesthetic values in creating a harmonious society.

Scruton's work challenges both conservatives and their critics to engage more deeply with conservative ideas and their applications in the modern world. By presenting conservatism as a thoughtful philosophy rather than a mere resistance to change, Scruton offers a valuable perspective on how societies can navigate the complexities of the 21st century while preserving the best aspects of their cultural and institutional heritage.