

What Happened to American Conservatism? — with David Brooks
640 snips May 1, 2025
David Brooks, a New York Times columnist and writer for The Atlantic, dives into the decline of genuine conservatism and the failures of elite institutions. He addresses the troubling moral decay in American politics and the challenges facing men and boys today. Brooks reflects on the exclusionary culture in education and argues for a return to character building in universities. He shares personal anecdotes about emotional growth, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and meaningful connections in fostering community and empathy.
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Shift from True Conservatism
- True conservatism is about incremental change and social mobility, inspired by Edmund Burke and Alexander Hamilton.
- Modern conservatism under Trump has shifted to reactionary politics opposing progressives, lacking original conservative values.
Trump's Erosion of Values
- Trump's politics reflect a return to a brutal, dog-eat-dog world dismantling civilization's moral values.
- His lust for power undermines both conservatism and Christianity by embracing cruelty and domination.
Democratize Higher Education
- Expand university access and redefine ability beyond standardized tests to include drive and social skills.
- Genuine intellectual diversity on campuses can welcome conservative and working-class voices for a democratic student body.