I have read some of Burke. He was a zealous reformer when he was convinced that he was correct after careful consideration. I think of him as understanding so well what stewardship means, both preserving and improving.
I don't think we can say with any certainty what his political policies would be in 2025. Burke himself would probably scoff at the notion. But we can try to emulate his process. Great article. Thanks!
Provokes so many thoughts about our current political situation: the last quotation, about popularity, reminded me of Keir Starmer aping the rhetoric of Farage instead of a giving a strong moral lead. How refreshing to read thoughts on morality! But a bit contradictory too, if Burke won't base his strictures on abstract political ideas, how can he base them on abstract moral ideas?
I read Reflections on the Revolution in France recently and I still read every word of the quotations!
Yes, whenever I hear some who claim to represent Burke decrying free trade and invoking him in the name of sneering at the free market (cough, Yoram Hazony), I wonder whether they’ve actually ever read Burke. At the very least, they never read that letter about trade with Ireland.
I’ve never seen Smith and Burke as being at odds in any meaningful way.
Henry,
I have read some of Burke. He was a zealous reformer when he was convinced that he was correct after careful consideration. I think of him as understanding so well what stewardship means, both preserving and improving.
I don't think we can say with any certainty what his political policies would be in 2025. Burke himself would probably scoff at the notion. But we can try to emulate his process. Great article. Thanks!
yes I agree and I might write separately about his views on the American revolution
Thanks!
Yes, please do!
Provokes so many thoughts about our current political situation: the last quotation, about popularity, reminded me of Keir Starmer aping the rhetoric of Farage instead of a giving a strong moral lead. How refreshing to read thoughts on morality! But a bit contradictory too, if Burke won't base his strictures on abstract political ideas, how can he base them on abstract moral ideas?
I read Reflections on the Revolution in France recently and I still read every word of the quotations!
Yes, whenever I hear some who claim to represent Burke decrying free trade and invoking him in the name of sneering at the free market (cough, Yoram Hazony), I wonder whether they’ve actually ever read Burke. At the very least, they never read that letter about trade with Ireland.
I’ve never seen Smith and Burke as being at odds in any meaningful way.
Wonderful. Thank you.