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| − | Here are some benefits to learning and adhering to [[conservatism]]:
| + | There are significant ''personal'' benefits to [[conservatism]]: |
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| − | # it recognizes that ideas, and particularly political ideas, do have serious ''personal'' consequences | + | # it recognizes that ideas, and particularly political ideas, do have serious ''personal'' consequences<ref>For example, a belief in legalized drugs can lead to drug use and its harm.</ref> |
| − | # it recognizes that politics and culture are adversarial and often [[deceit]]ful, enabling better handling of it | + | # it recognizes that politics and culture are adversarial and [[deceit]]ful, and helps one filter the falsehoods |
| − | # it allows one to think and speak freely without distortion by [[political correctness]] | + | # it allows one to speak ''and think'' freely without distortion by [[political correctness]] |
| − | # it enables one to rise above his personal likes and dislikes | + | # it enables one to rise above his personal likes and dislikes<ref>Often a debate with a [[liberal]] comes down to what he likes and does not like.</ref> |
| − | # it recognizes and emphasizes the importance of [[self-defense]], both personally and as a nation | + | # it recognizes the importance of [[self-defense]], mentally and physically |
| − | # it encourages a frugality that doesn't waste other people's money ... or one's own | + | # it encourages a personal frugality that doesn't waste other people's money ... or one's own |
| | # it encourages self-restraint that is invaluable in combating addiction, temptation, and obesity | | # it encourages self-restraint that is invaluable in combating addiction, temptation, and obesity |
| | # it encourages self-sufficiency and self-help rather than dependency | | # it encourages self-sufficiency and self-help rather than dependency |
| | # it allows genuine and heartfelt charity, and genuine and heartfelt appreciation for it | | # it allows genuine and heartfelt charity, and genuine and heartfelt appreciation for it |
| | # it is shared across all religions and cultures | | # it is shared across all religions and cultures |
| − | # it facilitates extraordinary insights or epiphanies | + | # it facilitates extraordinary insights and epiphanies |
| − | # it helps tremendously in raising and educating the next generation | + | # it helps tremendously in raising and educating the next generation, including one's children |
| − | # it recognizes that laws, not men, are what rule in a free society | + | # it appreciates law and order, and the value in adhering to it |
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| | Feel free to improve this list. | | Feel free to improve this list. |
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| | [[category:Essay]] | | [[category:Essay]] |