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We Are Doomed: Reclaiming Conservative Pessimism

Carlos Drummond

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In the face of relentless optimism, it's time for conservatives to reclaim pessimism. If they don't, they will be left behind by the forces of history.

We Are Doomed: Reclaiming Conservative Pessimism

by John Derbyshire

4.5 out of 5

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Pessimism is not a foreign concept to conservatism. In fact, it has been a core part of the conservative worldview for centuries. From Edmund Burke's warnings about the dangers of revolution to Alexis de Tocqueville's observations about the fragility of democracy, conservatives have long understood that the world is a dangerous place and that human nature is flawed.

But in recent decades, pessimism has fallen out of favor among conservatives. Instead, they have embraced a Pollyannaish optimism that has led them to believe that the world is fundamentally good and that progress is inevitable. This optimism has blinded them to the dangers that we face, and it has made them complacent in the face of threats to our freedom and our way of life.

The dangers of optimism are many. First, it leads to complacency. When we believe that the world is fundamentally good and that progress is inevitable, we tend to become complacent. We assume that the future will be better than the present, and we don't bother to work to make it so. This complacency can be fatal, especially in times of crisis.

Second, optimism can lead to recklessness. When we believe that the world is fundamentally good and that progress is inevitable, we tend to become reckless. We take risks that we shouldn't take, and we assume that everything will turn out for the best. This recklessness can lead to disaster, both for individuals and for nations.

Third, optimism can lead to disillusionment. When we believe that the world is fundamentally good and that progress is inevitable, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. The world is not always fair, and progress is not always possible. When our expectations are not met, we can become disillusioned and bitter.

Pessimism, on the other hand, can be a force for good. It can help us to avoid the dangers of complacency, recklessness, and disillusionment. Pessimism can also help us to see the world more clearly and to make better decisions. When we understand that the world is a dangerous place and that human nature is flawed, we are more likely to take precautions and to prepare for the worst. We are also more likely to appreciate the good things in life and to be grateful for what we have.

Of course, pessimism is not always easy. It can be difficult to see the world in a negative light, especially when we are surrounded by people who are optimistic. But it is important to remember that pessimism is not the same as cynicism. Cynicism is a belief that nothing good is possible, while pessimism is simply a recognition that the world is not always a happy place. Pessimism can be a healthy and realistic worldview, and it can help us to live better lives.

So if you're a conservative, I urge you to reclaim pessimism. It's not a fashionable worldview, but it's a necessary one. If we want to preserve our freedom and our way of life, we need to understand the dangers that we face and we need to be prepared to fight for what we believe in.

We are doomed. But that doesn't mean we have to give up. We can still fight for what we believe in. We can still make a difference in the world. But we need to be realistic about the challenges that we face. We need to be pessimistic about the future. And we need to be prepared to fight for what we believe in.

We Are Doomed: Reclaiming Conservative Pessimism

by John Derbyshire

4.5 out of 5