what is conservatism

Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, customs, and values. It emphasizes the value of traditional institutions and practices, favoring the historically inherited over the abstract and ideal. Conservatives believe in an organic conception of society, viewing it as a living organism comprising closely connected, interdependent members. They favor institutions and practices that have evolved gradually and are manifestations of continuity and stability. Conservatism is often associated with right-wing politics, but it encompasses a wide range of views and can be more libertarian or authoritarian, populist or elitist, progressive or reactionary. It is not just a philosophy but an attitude, a constant force performing a timeless function in the development of a free society, corresponding to a deep and permanent requirement of human nature itself. Conservatism seeks to achieve the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the enhancement of man’s spiritual nature as the primary concern of political philosophy. It is a tradition or practice of politics with a history, participants, and an outlook to guide them, and it relies on the organs of the state and societys many corps, such as law, religion, armed forces, and universities, which tend to a stand-pat conservatism in the everyday sense of wanting tomorrow to be like today and not forever changing the furniture.