Learning Liberals 4

James Burnham was an American philosopher and political theorist. In his book, Suicide of the West (1964), he catalogs 19 ideas/beliefs/values that typify the liberal (or leftist) mentality. For contrast, Burnham presents for each liberal conception a corresponding non-liberal conception. Here is Burnham’s fourth pairing:

Elements comprising the doctrinal dimension of the liberal syndrome:

L4) Because of the extrinsic and remediable nature of the obstacles, it follows that there are solutions to every social problem, and that progress and the good society can be achieved; historical optimism is justified.

One possible set of contrasting nonliberal elements:

X4) Since there are intrinsic and permanent as well as extrinsic and remediable obstacles, the good society of universal peace, justice, freedom and well-being cannot be achieved, and there are no solutions to most of the primary social problems which are, in truth, not so much “problems” as permanent conditions of human existence. Plans based on the goal of realizing the ideal society or solving the primary problems are likely to be dangerous as well as Utopian, and to lessen rather than increase the probability of bringing about the moderate improvement and partial solutions that are in reality possible.

Burnham’s L4 reminds me of a statement often made here at Tidewater Forum: “Reality has a liberal bias.” The sentiment is, frankly, almost meaningless. It is essentially an excuse for bad behavior, especially impoliteness.

But I think Burnham’s intention in this pairing is precisely to draw attention to the disruptive revolutionary character of liberalism. Once a mentality has determined for itself that it is good, there are no limits to the evil it can commit or rationalize. Hence, Burnham’s X4 takes pains to elaborate the material obstacles to revolutionary success.

As one who actually believes that “progress and the good society can be achieved,” I’m a little uncomfortable with Burnham’s pessimism. On the other hand, I am just as inclined as he to the view that revolutionary impulses need to be restrained.

The problem is not that liberals’ feigned optimism is wrong, only that it is unregulated. That revolutions tend to harm women, children and other living things never factors in the liberal mindset.