What is conservatism? Is it about preservation and conservation?

Conservatism is a political, social, and philosophical ideology based on the principle of preserving, maintaining, and valuing traditional values, institutions, and social structures. The term “conservatism” is derived from the Latin word “conservare,” which means “to preserve” or “to maintain.” Therefore, the name of the ideology refers directly to the goal of preserving what already exists and approaching change in a rather cautious and thoughtful manner.

Conservatives often advocate the preservation of traditions, cultural values, religious beliefs, family structures, and national institutions. They believe that a society should be stable and orderly and that radical change or experimentation in politics or society could lead to undesirable consequences. Conservatives often prefer gradual change to preserve what is good in the existing order while minimizing the risk of negative side effects.

As always, there are different expressions and currents of conservatism, and the political landscape may vary by country and culture. For example, some conservatives tend to favour economic freedom and a limited role for government, while others place a stronger focus on social and traditional values. Overall, however, conservatism is an ideology that focuses on preservation and conservation and opposes excessive change and radical experimentation.