“Conservatism is not so much a banner of principles as a disposition of things and persons”
— John Stuart Mill
Simplified Meaning:
Conservatism isn't just about following a set of rules or principles; it's more about having a certain attitude towards life and people. Imagine a person who prefers to keep old family traditions alive, rather than always chasing the newest trends. This person values stability and is cautious about making big changes without good reasons. They believe that what has worked well in the past should be preserved. For example, in a community, a conservative person might argue for fixing up the old playground instead of building a completely new one, because the old one has sentimental value and has served children well for generations. In life, someone with a conservative outlook tends to appreciate and protect established ways of doing things, cherishing the familiar and respecting the wisdom of the past.