F. H. Buckley, a professor at George Mason University's Scalia School of Law and author of "The Roots of Liberalism," dives into the foundations of liberalism. He critiques modern movements like critical race theory and emphasizes the need for civic virtue to unite society. Buckley explores how traditional liberalism balances individualism with ethical responsibility, drawing on historical teachings about equality. He also discusses the resilience of liberal ideals in America today, highlighting their role in fostering community amidst division.
F. H. Buckley stresses that nurturing civic virtue and embracing free speech are crucial for conservatives to counter the spread of critical race theory.
The discussion underscores that true liberalism involves a balance of individual rights with a moral obligation to care for others in the community.
Deep dives
Critical Race Theory as a Cult of Resentment
Critical race theory (CRT) is framed as a 'cult of resentment' by examining its impact on cultural and ethical discourse. The theory is criticized for abandoning the core principles of liberalism, which emphasize equality and individual rights as foundational to American identity. Buckley argues that both the left and some on the right have distanced themselves from these principles, allowing CRT to thrive at the expense of meaningful dialogue. He asserts that to effectively challenge this ideology, conservatives should embrace the liberal tenets of free speech and civic virtue rather than adopt anti-liberal stances.
Benevolence as the Heart of Liberalism
Benevolence is posited as a central concept within liberalism, transcending philosophical abstractions and rooted in cultural traditions. Buckley highlights historical figures, such as Romeo Dallaire, who exemplifies knightly virtues by acting with kindness and courage in dire circumstances, emphasizing that true morality cannot stem from self-interest alone. He mentions that narratives like Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Match Girl' foster this idea of kindness, shaping societal values toward compassion and support for the vulnerable. This understanding of liberalism encompasses not just individual rights but also the moral obligation to care for others, aligning with the views of traditional American leaders like Teddy Roosevelt.
The Necessity of Liberal Nationalism
Liberal nationalism is portrayed as essential for preserving American values, intertwining liberty, equality, and fraternity into the national narrative. Buckley argues that nationalism should not be divorced from the responsibilities of caring for fellow citizens, indicating that true nationalism recognizes the need for community and mutual support. He critiques the current national conservative movement, suggesting that it risks losing sight of these liberal virtues, which are vital for a cohesive society. This connection to historic American ideals frames a vision of nationalism that embraces inclusiveness and benevolence, differentiating it from exclusionary or solely right-wing ideologies.
In the latest installment of the ongoing interview series with contributing editor Mark Bauerlein, F. H. Buckley, joins in to discuss his new book, “The Roots of Liberalism: What Faithful Knights and the Little Match Girl Taught Us about Civil Virtue.”
Intro music by Jack Bauerlein.
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