What is the definition of a conservative in the broadest sense?

Question

As I understand it, the word "conservative" comes from the word "to conserve" (to preserve, to retain, etc.) Conservatives want to preserve the status quo in society. But, as history teaches us, human society always moves forward. It can never stop. Logically it follows that conservatives will inevitably lose. Are conservatives too stupid to understand this?

Answer 1

In theory, conservatives want to keep the status quo. Liberals want change. A financial conservative wants to spend less and tax less. A social conservative wants to maintain current social values. Many conservatives even want to go back to the way things were in the past. In reality though, conservatives such as Reagan, Bush, and Bush jr. have spent more than their liberal counterparts like Carter or Clinton, and have actually increased taxes as well.

Answer 2

They are what...they are! Mainly we must look at definition–logical
definition of the word: Conservative is the person who is democra
tic, but somewhat more conservative than the liberal in his attitud
es and more given to social regulations, being more in need of them. (SOS, p.124).-
By this term, we indicate a person-or partie- that don't undertake big changes,only those that do not change an existent status quo.
Some political parties get this name just to impress the voters, but only God knows if they are conservatives or covertly hostiles!
Ciao.....John-John.

Answer 3

definitely.