Barry Goldwater

Overview

Barry Goldwater's "The Conscience of a Conservative" is a seminal political work that outlines the principles and values of conservatism. First published in 1960, Goldwater's book became a milestone in American political literature and was instrumental in shaping the modern conservative movement. Goldwater, a Republican senator from Arizona, aimed to articulate his vision for limited government, individual liberty, and free-market economics. In his book, he provides a critique of the growing influence of big government and advocates for a return to the constitutional principles that he believes are the foundation of American democracy.

Key Points / Ideas

The Importance of Limited Government:

One of the central arguments in "The Conscience of a Conservative" is the necessity of limited government. Goldwater contends that the increasing size and power of the federal government encroach upon individual liberties and hinder economic growth. He supports a return to the original intent of the Constitution, advocating for a reduction in government bureaucracy and intervention in people's lives.

Individual Liberty:

Goldwater emphasizes the importance of individual liberty as a core conservative value. He argues that personal freedom is intrinsically tied to limited government, as excessive regulation stifles individual initiative and innovation. Goldwater advocates for minimal government intrusion into areas such as the economy, education, and moral decision-making, enabling people to make choices that align with their own values and preferences.

Free-Market Economics:

The author strongly advocates for free-market capitalism as the most effective economic system. Goldwater argues that government interference in the economy, through mechanisms such as price controls and excessive taxation, distorts market forces and stifles economic growth. He believes that a free-market system promotes competition, innovation, and individual opportunity.

The Threat of Collectivism:

Goldwater expresses concerns about collectivism and the erosion of individualism. He warns against the growth of the welfare state, which he sees as undermining personal responsibility and promoting a culture of dependency. He argues that collectivist ideologies, such as socialism and communism, impede individual freedom and diminish the incentives for personal achievement and success.

Defending American Values:

Throughout the book, Goldwater stresses the importance of protecting traditional American values. He argues that moral and cultural relativism weaken the fabric of society and erode shared values that are essential for the functioning of a strong nation. Goldwater advocates for preserving a baseline set of principles that promote virtue, personal responsibility, and respect for tradition.

Notable Examples:

In support of his arguments, Goldwater refers to historical examples and contemporary events. He highlights the negative consequences of excessive government intervention, pointing to the failures of New Deal policies during the Great Depression. He also criticizes the growth of welfare programs, arguing that they weaken the work ethic and create a cycle of dependency. Goldwater further warns against the dangers of unchecked executive power, drawing on examples of governmental abuses at home and abroad.

Conclusion

Barry Goldwater's "The Conscience of a Conservative" remains a significant and influential work that has shaped the conservative movement in the United States. With a focus on limited government, individual liberty, and free-market economics, Goldwater provides a clear articulation of conservative principles. While some of his ideas may be subject to debate, the book offers valuable insights into the conservative philosophy and the role of government in a democratic society.

Those interested in understanding the foundations of American conservatism should consider reading "The Conscience of a Conservative" for a firsthand account of Goldwater's ideas. For further exploration of conservative political thought, books such as "The Road to Serfdom" by F.A. Hayek and "Capitalism and Freedom" by Milton Friedman offer complementary perspectives on limited government and free-market economics.