What is conservatism? Is it not the adherence to the old and tried against the new and untried?

What is conservatism? Is it not the adherence to the old and tried against the new and untried?

Conservatism, as a political ideology, is often associated with the preservation of traditional values, institutions, and practices. It is rooted in the belief that society should be guided by established customs and principles, rather than radical change or experimentation. In the context of Abraham Lincoln, who is often considered one of the greatest conservative figures in American history, this definition of conservatism takes on a deeper meaning.

Lincoln's conservatism was not about blindly adhering to the old and tried simply for the sake of tradition. Instead, it was about preserving the fundamental principles of the American founding, such as equality, liberty, and democracy. Lincoln believed that these principles were timeless and universal, and that they should be upheld even in the face of new challenges and changing circumstances.

One of the key aspects of Lincoln's conservatism was his commitment to preserving the Union. In the midst of the Civil War, when the very existence of the United States was at stake, Lincoln remained steadfast in his belief that the Union must be preserved at all costs. He saw the Union as the embodiment of the American experiment in self-government, and he believed that its preservation was essential to the survival of democracy and freedom.

At the same time, Lincoln was not afraid to embrace change and innovation when necessary. He recognized that the old ways of thinking and doing things were not always sufficient to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. For example, Lincoln was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery, even though it was a radical departure from the established norms of his time. He saw slavery as a moral evil that was incompatible with the principles of equality and liberty that he held dear, and he was willing to take bold and decisive action to end it.