A review by ashrafulla
The Reactionary Mind: Conservatism from Edmund Burke to Sarah Palin by Corey Robin
2.0
This book is a great example of the delusion of intellectuals. For all that Corey Robin finds fault in the Kristols I think that he is one of them. The countless times that the author characterizes conservatism by some snarky attribute, I wonder why it is that he cannot find a confirmation of the opposite value in his beloved leftists.
The worst part to me is his continuous attempt to deride conservatism as simpleton responses to dynamic events. The book is an attempt to classify conservatives as counter-revolutionaries, which makes a lot of sense. What doesn't make sense is his belief that all things revolutionary are positive social changes. This thread pins conservatism as the force of a backwards-marching devil fighting the virtues of guerrillas and populists.
Then at the end his conclusion has nothing to do with the first nine chapters. It is just an appendage to chapter 10, where he tries to was philosophical by stealing the words of his conservative counterparts. I'd suggest trying to read this without the quotations; then you will see how poorly made this book was. I can believe that each chapter merits respect as an essay, but this collection does not merit respect as a book.
The worst part to me is his continuous attempt to deride conservatism as simpleton responses to dynamic events. The book is an attempt to classify conservatives as counter-revolutionaries, which makes a lot of sense. What doesn't make sense is his belief that all things revolutionary are positive social changes. This thread pins conservatism as the force of a backwards-marching devil fighting the virtues of guerrillas and populists.
Then at the end his conclusion has nothing to do with the first nine chapters. It is just an appendage to chapter 10, where he tries to was philosophical by stealing the words of his conservative counterparts. I'd suggest trying to read this without the quotations; then you will see how poorly made this book was. I can believe that each chapter merits respect as an essay, but this collection does not merit respect as a book.