Sometimes the meaning of a word itself is lost. Conservative literally means someone who wants to conserve or preserve something good — and it is not as negative a word as it is made out to be today. Liberal, meaning one who advocates liberty, also represents a good ideal. Liberty is essential, and so is the preservation of what is good. The problem arises when liberals accuse conservatives of trying to preserve something that they believe is inherently bad.
But what exactly is so bad about conservatism? To understand this, we must examine the historical evolution of these terms — and remember, these are European or, more accurately, Christian concepts. Europe was under the dominance of the Church for almost a thousand years, a period often referred to as the Dark Ages. Though this era is loosely linked to mysticism, few acknowledge the true root cause: the Church's control.
Deep down, there is a lingering skepticism and disregard for organized religion among many Europeans. Yet, at the same time, there is a tendency to believe that "my religion is better than yours." Even today, there is an urge to protect the Church and its religious legacy.
Historically, liberals fought to free themselves from the clutches of the Church and the remnants of feudalism — a political system sustained under religious hegemony. Conservatives, on the other hand, often view liberals as people who reject structure and discipline. But a society without rules or shared norms is bound to collapse — and perhaps that is what we are witnessing now.
What is needed is a fine balance — a civilizational balance. However, this balance is rarely achieved, because in the name of liberalism, anything and everything is being promoted, even things that may harm the long-term survival of society. Meanwhile, conservatives are unfairly portrayed as regressive, as if they wish to preserve nothing worthwhile.
Ironically, everyone wants to preserve something: their wealth, the laws that protect their wealth, their rights, and their freedom. The real question is whether it’s about individual freedom or the collective freedom of a society. This is a question modern-day liberals often avoid — because many of today’s so-called liberals are, in essence, proponents of unchecked individualism.
