Book SummaryConscience of a Conservative, by Barry Goldwater

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Conscience of a Conservative

The foundational principle of conservatism is distinct and singular in nature.

This segment of the section explores Goldwater's fundamental arguments about the core and intrinsic values that underpin conservatism.

Conservatism represents a broad political and philosophical perspective, extending beyond mere economic ideology.

Goldwater argues that it is a reductive view to consider conservatism solely based on its fiscal perspective, as this overlooks the wide-ranging philosophical principles of the ideology that encompass understanding of human nature, societal interactions, and the roles and duties that should be maintained by governments. He challenges the notion that conservatism's essence is confined to economic efficiency and the status quo, underscoring that its fundamental tenets are individual freedom and moral values, which form the foundation of a just and prosperous society.

Conservatives are committed to safeguarding the values of personal dignity and liberty from encroachment by the government.

Goldwater emphasizes the inherent worth and importance of each individual, asserting that this belief is essential to the core tenets of Conservatism. Barry Goldwater challenges the idea that individuals are merely components of a larger social collective, bound to adhere to governmental directives. The writer contends that adopting a communal perspective frequently leads to a reduction in individual liberties and sets the stage for the rise of a dictatorial regime.

Conservatives recognize both the physical and the moral and spiritual facets of human existence.

Conservatism, as underscored by Goldwater, acknowledges the multifaceted character of humanity, considering not only their physical needs but also their spiritual and moral dimensions. He admonishes the liberal inclination to prioritize chiefly the pursuit of material prosperity, contending that this overlooks the deep impact of spiritual principles in molding personal integrity and a thriving community. Goldwater argues that neglecting these spiritual and moral aspects ultimately diminishes human dignity and reduces individuals to mere economic units.

Conservatives regard the political sphere as a means to enhance personal liberty while simultaneously preserving societal stability.

Goldwater contends that political endeavors ought to primarily cultivate a community which enhances individual freedoms, all the while preserving the fundamental social framework necessary for these freedoms to thrive. He acknowledges that liberty absent of structure can devolve into disorder, and structure without liberty results in despotism....

Conscience of a Conservative Summary The Constitution imposes limitations on the scope of the federal government's authority.

This section of the text examines specific cases in which Goldwater argues that the reach of government authority has extended past the boundaries established by the nation's founding charter.

The Constitution specifies the extent of powers that are allocated to the federal government.

Goldwater emphasizes the foundational concept of limited government, asserting that the Constitution strictly confines the scope of federal power to its expressly listed powers. He cautions against the expansion of government power into areas not explicitly authorized by the Constitution, emphasizing that this encroachment endangers the core principles of a government with clearly established boundaries.

The Tenth Amendment ensures that any powers not expressly assigned are retained by the states and the people.

Goldwater emphasizes the significance of the specific provision in the Constitution that acts as a safeguard against the overreach of the federal government, noting that it definitively allocates all authorities not explicitly granted to the federal level to the states and the people. He challenges interpretations that minimize the significance of the Constitution's Tenth...

Conscience of a Conservative Summary Governmental meddling in the economic sector leads to various consequences.

The study examines how government intervention, particularly in the agricultural and labor sectors, influences economic dynamics.

The agricultural sector has been thrown into financial disarray due to the establishment of maximum price limits, limitations on production, and fiscal support from governmental bodies.

Goldwater contends that when the government meddles with the agricultural sector through subsidies for specific commodities, production caps, and monetary support, it results in economic distortions and unintended negative consequences. Barry Goldwater argues that market interventions distort its inherent operations, leading to overproduction and higher expenses for consumers, as well as placing a significant financial burden on taxpayers. Goldwater contends that allowing market forces to dictate agricultural output and pricing would result in a more efficient system, better aligned with the demands and beneficial for both producers and consumers.

The mechanisms of the free market, rather than government intervention, should dictate the costs and production levels of farm products.

Goldwater advocates for the dismantling of federal agricultural...

Conscience of a Conservative Summary The impact of the welfare state on personal freedoms.

In this section, the emphasis is on Goldwater's analysis of the impact of the welfare system on individual liberty.

Welfare initiatives by the government transfer control from the individuals, thus reducing their sense of accountability and self-reliance.

Goldwater argues that the proliferation of large-scale social programs and government aid transfers power from individuals to the state, undermining the values of self-reliance and personal responsibility. The argument presented by Barry Goldwater is that governmental involvement in securing the welfare of its citizens fosters a culture of dependency, which in turn reduces the capacity of individuals to shape their own futures. Goldwater believes these inclinations undermine the moral fabric of society, diminish individual drive, and threaten the core principles of a free market.

Government-funded aid initiatives often foster a reliance and expectation of entitlement, rather than encouraging authentic acts of benevolence.

Goldwater argues that government-initiated programs foster dependency among recipients and underscores that such measures are distinct from genuine compassion. He distinguishes between voluntary...

Conscience of a Conservative Summary The approach to managing international relations during the era of the Cold War.

In this section, Goldwater outlines his tactical plan for triumphing over the communist ideology, providing a detailed method suitable for the Cold War period.

The United States' foreign policy ought to be aimed at securing an unequivocal victory against Communism instead of settling for a simple existence of non-aggressive coexistence.

Barry Goldwater argues that the goal of America's foreign policy should be to triumph against communism instead of simply living alongside it. He contends that the idea of the Soviet Union living in harmony with other countries is a misconception because the fundamental principles of communism inherently oppose freedom and seek global domination. Goldwater stresses that attempts to placate or make compromises are unlikely to diminish communist aggression; on the contrary, such efforts could potentially embolden it, thus jeopardizing the survival of democratic countries.

Our approach to international relations has been unsuccessful in countering the expansionist tendencies of the Communist powers.

Goldwater contends that America's primarily reactive approach to global affairs has failed to adequately oppose the expansionist strategies...