Conservative Appreciation of Iconoclasm

Our postmodern era is defined by expressive individualism and iconoclasm. We revel in feelings of boundlessness and savor the rejection of sacred cows. We detest obsolescence and praise disruptive innovation.

Those who treasure the beauty and wisdom found in Western heritage (philosophical, literary, religious, musical, etc.) can view this postmodern iconoclasm as naive, ungrateful, chaotic, and deeply disturbing.

But what if postmodern iconoclasm is natural, necessary, and good? Even the biggest, strongest trees lose leaves in the winter, and perhaps now is such a season for Western heritage.

Postmodern iconoclasm forces sincere conservatives to wake up and mount an energetic defense of tradition, and this brings our heritage back to life. It’s necessary to reconnect with whatever is beautiful, wise, and valuable in our heritage and share these things with the world if we want them to survive.

The anti-traditional force exists for a reason - to challenge arbitrary tyranny and obsolete boundaries, which can in fact be maintained in the name of “tradition”. Sincere conservatives do not want to defend sacred cows, but sometimes we do need help to let them die.

It is true that postmodern iconoclasm is partially a force of ignorance that naively attacks tradition of real value, but the silver lining is that this prompts sincere conservatives to converge on, revive, and share the part of our collective inheritance that is most important. Hillsdale College’s free online courses are an excellent example of such a response.

Conservatives can be grateful and confident in the Winter and hopeful for the forthcoming Spring.