Monday, April 18, 2005

 

Principles of Conservatism: Traditions

We Are Surrounded by Traditions


Everywhere I am, and every situation that I find myself in, I see the workings of traditions, the ways of doing things, the mores, the everyday rules of behavior and processes, that have passed the tests of time. Marriage is a strong tradition, for example, because it solidifies the bonds between a man and a woman, and establishes both the legal and spiritual foundations for a family.

Another tradition that I encounter, and it is a moral one, is that of “my word is my bond,” and a handshake is better than a long involved contract -- between those who honor this commitment. One’s religion is seeped in tradition, and its traditions are considered sacred. Many traditions are embedded in the daily operations of our government, and in our workplaces, which if changed overnight could lead to chaos and disaster. There is likewise an enormous tradition in law which is carefully husbanded and employed on a daily basis. We would be foolish to want it otherwise without compelling reasons. In the medical profession, the oath: "First, do no harm," is a paramount tradition.

Obviously, there are those who spurn traditions as irrelevant and passe, and there are some who look for traditions to break and discredit, simply because in their leftist thinking they do not like even the idea of tradition, and wish to plough new ground. One of their attacks feeds on the thought that just because that is how it has always been done doesn’t mean that is should be done that way today.

What they often miss, of course, is the inherited wisdom placed into traditions by generations before us, unless they delve deeply into its history. Traditions that are worthwhile have undergone trial by fire, and they exist because they have been found to have survival value, and are highly useful, pleasing, and rewarding to follow. It may not be obvious in some cases why a given tradition has value, but if one looks hard at its history, the value will be discovered. But, if not, then a change is in order. Everyone has heard of the carpenter’s traditional rule of “measure twice and cut once,” and it is easy to see the value of it.

Conservatives conserve traditions that are worthwhile, while at the same time, they are very willing to consider new ways of doing things, even at the cost of tradition. But any new way must be analyzed carefully and thoroughly before proceeding to use it, to satisfy all concerned that the traditional way is truly obsolete, little will be lost and much will be gained if the new way passes the test of time. One must deal with the "Law of Unintended Consequences" as well, for that is often where problems arise. Conservative thinking is an answer to the "change in haste, repent at leasure" way of approaching life.


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