The Emotional Liberal and Intellectual Conservative: A Duality in Personal Convictions
Is there anyone else out there that is both emotionally liberal and intellectually conservative? This question often arises when discussing ideological differences, particularly as terms like 'liberal' and 'conservative' are increasingly polarized.
Itrsquo;s important to understand that 'liberal' and 'conservative' refer to ideologies or principles. They are frameworks through which one views the world and governance. They canrsquo;t be emotional or intellectual characteristics per se. So, one can be an emotional liberal, but the phrase 'emotionally liberal' is redundant or contradictory. Similarly, 'intellectual conservative' is a term that, despite its popularity, is inherently contradictory.
The Evolution of Ideological Definitions
Historically, many great thinkers were radical liberals. Thomas Paine, John Locke, and the Founding Fathers of the United States were fierce advocates for liberty and equality. Figures like Rousseau and Immanuel Kant also aligned closely with liberal ideals. Even Albert Einstein and Galileo, who are celebrated for their intellectual contributions, held progressive views on social and political matters. Socratesrsquo; philosophical method and approach to understanding the world make him a radical liberal in his own right. Being intellectually conservative and a radical liberal is an oxymoron given these examples, as these great minds often pioneered new ways of thinking and critiquing existing systems.
The Mismatches in Ideological Identity
Today, the terms 'intellectual' and 'conservative' are often seen as mutually exclusive. However, this is not always the case, and it’s important to recognize that there are many individuals who have a mix of both liberal and conservative beliefs. Consider someone who is a fiscal conservative, concerned about reducing the national debt, but also a pacifist, advocating for reduced military spending and a follower of Jesus, wanting better solutions to poverty. At the same time, they may be a supporter of human rights, believing that every individual should have the right to live joyfully, regardless of their choices.
Emotional Bias and Ideological Inconsistencies
To craft a true ideological stance, a person must have an emotional bias. Someone who is devoid of emotion would align neither with liberal nor conservative principles. Therefore, our ideations are often influenced by our emotions and personal experiences. This can create a complex duality within individuals, where emotional liberalism and intellectual conservatism coexist.
Political Definitions and Social Reality
Political definitions and labels can be ambiguous, feeding into the duality of these beliefs. If you ask 30 people what 'conservative' or 'liberal' means, you might get 30 different answers. This is because political labels can be fluid and not everyone adheres strictly to them. Many self-identified conservatives may actually hold liberal viewpoints on social issues or vice versa. Furthermore, in highly politically polarized environments, the very act of discussing politics can be avoided or perceived negatively, leading to a superficial understanding of ideological stances.
Take, for example, a scenario where someone, like the author, was 50 years old before reading "Shane," a classic novel often associated with conservative themes. To someone who is not conservative and is interested in psychological insights, the book could be seen as a horror story due to its rigid characters. This example demonstrates how preconceived notions and ideological filters can shape onersquo;s interpretation of literature and the world around them.
Overall, labeling someone as an 'emotional liberal and intellectual conservative' acknowledges the complexity of human thought and emotion. It highlights the duality and sometimes inconsistent nature of personal political beliefs, which can be nuanced and vary widely even within political categories.