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Conservatism as a “Psychology”

Michael Oakeshott (1901-1990) famously argued that conservatism was “more psychology than ideology.” He described it as an instinctive preference for the familiar over the unknown, and the actual over the possible.

Human Nature: “Fragile and Fallible”

Oakeshott brought a more “optimistic” perspective to conservative human imperfection:

• Fallible but Benign: He argued that while humans are “fragile and fallible,” they are also “benign and benevolent” when framed by routine, familiarity, and religious principles.
• Reconciliation with Reality: Unlike more pessimistic thinkers, Oakeshott believed humans could secure “both pleasure and improvement through the humdrum business of everyday life.”

The Role of the State: The Nautical Metaphor

In his key text, On Being Conservative (1962), Oakeshott offered his celebrated nautical metaphor for the state:

“In political activity, then, men sail a boundless and bottomless sea; there is neither harbour for shelter nor floor for anchorage, neither starting-place nor appointed destination. The enterprise is to keep the ship afloat on an even keel…”

• Keeping the Ship Afloat: The job of government is to negotiate every storm and use experience to stay afloat, rather than sailing towards a specific utopian destination (which may not exist).
• Preventing the Bad: The state exists to “prevent the bad rather than create the good.”

Pragmatism over Rationalism

Oakeshott was highly critical of “Rationalism” in politics (the belief that politics can be guided by abstract theories).

• The Cook Book Analogy: He remarked that “in a kitchen, cook books are only useful after experience of preparing a meal.” This emphasizes that wisdom is achieved through experience and trial and error, not abstract philosophy.
• The Art of the Possible: He affirmed the merits of an empirical and pragmatic approach to politics.