What are the foundational ideas that define conservatism in America? | Read Intercollegiate Review every Thursday for the best of intellectual conservative thought.

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CATEGORY: CONSERVATISM (9 MIN)

A trio of trailblazers

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Although the conservative movement draws on ideas and figures from as far back as ancient Israel, Greece, and Rome, the modern American revival stemmed from major 20th century thinkers. And coincidentally, three well-known books which all contributed to facets of that foundation by three important authors came out in the same fateful year: 1953.

Ed Feulner, founder of the Heritage Foundation and ISI trustee, discussed these three books in a recent speech at ISI’s 70th Anniversary Gala reprinted in Modern Age

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He begins with Leo Strauss’s Natural Right and History. This book, Feulner says, claims an important place in the conservative tradition due to its tracing of natural right to the great Greek philosophers and its criticism of more modern thinkers who rejected such a concept.

Then, Feulner moves to The Quest for Community by Robert Nisbet. Nisbet found that the destruction of local institutions like churches, families, and neighborhoods had a destructive effect on the human soul. Feulner notes the importance of this work in valuing “little platoons” like Edmund Burke did.

Finally, Feulner praises Russell Kirk’s The Conservative Mind. With its famous six canons, its well-researched dive into the “illustrious lineage” of conservatism, and its long-lasting impact on generations to follow, Feulner calls the book the “beginning of [conservatives’] triumph.”

Read all of Feulner’s thoughts here

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Read Now

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Weekly Poll

RESULTS: 12/21/23

Last week, we asked: Is the U.S. military still projecting strength abroad? Here are the results:

[A] Yes - 11.5%

[B] No - 71.2%

[C] Unsure - 17.3%

Should conservatives return to the ideas from 20th century thinkers as a guide for future decisions?

[A] Yes

[B] No

[C] Unsure

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CATEGORY: RELIGION (24 MIN)

The broken road

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Many of the Christian faith have followed complicated and winding paths to reach their conclusion that Christ is indeed Lord. Others had a simpler road, taking after the faith of their parents. But few have experimented with such a vast and conflicting array of beliefs as English writer Paul Kingsnorth.

For The Free Press

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, Kingsnorth tells the story of his arduous journey resulting in his baptizing into the Romanian Orthodox Church. Kingsnorth began his early years as a strongly anti-Christian atheist and a zealous environmental activist. But he realized something during his activist days.

“Dig in for long enough and you see that something like climate change or mass extinction is not a ‘problem’ to be ‘solved’ through politics or technology or science, but the manifestation of a deep spiritual malaise. Even an atheist could see that our attempts to play God would end in disaster,” Kingsnorth wrote.

Kingsnorth would take some time to determine which God to serve. He became a Buddhist and then a Wiccan. But ultimately, through his personal experiences with Jesus in dreams and a feeling of inevitability, he became a Christian.

Read Kingsnorth’s entire story right here

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CATEGORY: PODCAST EPISODE

Student Loan Forgiveness | Antony Davies

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In this episode, Antony Davies, professor of economics at Duquesne University, joins the podcast to discuss:

the current state of the American economy, including the record-level inflation hurting American consumers and its roots in the government response to COVID-19

how government policies surrounding taxation and government spending contribute to the inflation crisis, and how to restructure the tax code in a way that is more clear, more fair, and better for long-term economic prosperity

why the Biden student loan forgiveness program encourages all the wrong incentives in higher education, and how university endowments can be leveraged towards better educational and financial outcomes

Texts mentioned:

“Words and Numbers”

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Podcast by Antony Davies and James Harrigan

Cooperation and Coercion

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by Antony Davies and James Harrigan

Milton Friedman and Phil Donahue

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interviews

“Free to Choose”

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documentary by Milton Friedman

Watch Now

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​​​​March for Life Reception

January 19th, 2024

Join the Intercollegiate Studies Institute for a happy hour to discuss life and liberty! The event will be held after the March for Life at The Heritage Foundation. Refreshments will be available. Our featured speakers are Alexandra DeSanctis and Tom Shakely.

Join us in Washington, DC >>>

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​​​​Daring Greatly: ​​​​​Forming America's Next Great Statesman

February 2nd, 2024

The Heritage Foundation is proud to host the launch of the insightful new book, Gateway to Statesmanship: Selections from Xenophon to Churchill

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, on February 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM. This event features a dynamic panel discussion with distinguished speakers Larry Arnn and Elbridge Colby, delving into the rich tapestry of statesmanship across history and its relevance today.

In this panel discussion, Johnny Burtka, Larry Arnn, and Elbridge Colby will explore how the study of statesmanship extends beyond the realms of politics into the broader scope of human thought and action. They will discuss how the classics teach us about the difficult choices that shape lives and character, providing insight into how these teachings are vital today.

Join us in Washington, DC >>>

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​​​​41st Annual Viennese Waltz Ball

​​​February 17th, 2024

Join ISI on Saturday, February 17th, at The Organization of American States for the 41st Annual Evening of Viennese Waltzing.

It will be a night of silk top hats, furs, dance cards, champagne, and flaming crepes as more than 200 couples recreate the sumptuous balls of turn-of-the-century Vienna.

Join us in Washington, DC >>>

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Because our student editors and writers are bravely bringing conservative ideas to their campuses, we’re highlighting their efforts here.

DEI training mandatory for freshmen, conscientious objectors forced to speak

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via The W&L Spectator

“On November 5, 2023, the entire freshman class participated in a mandatory training titled ‘Continuing Education: Diversity, Inclusion and Community.’ University representatives told students that they could under no circumstances miss the session and would be reprimanded if absent... Presenters asked students to volunteer to read portions of the slides. For one slide, the facilitator forced a student to read after no one had volunteered. When asked to read, the student replied: ‘I’d rather not.’ The presenter stated, ‘I’m going to make you.’”

Is WashU Afraid to Say “Merry Christmas?”

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via The Danforth Dispatch

“This past December 21st, I (along with all other students in [Washington University’s] College of Arts & Sciences) received an email from the office of the dean wishing me a Happy New Years. While I appreciate the message, it seemed to contain a glaring omission. After all, wasn’t there a holiday with much greater significance than New Years that was a lot closer to December 21st?”

CATEGORY: CULTURE (19 MIN)

Two Cold Wars

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This week’s Intercollegiate Review

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archive features a different speech from Ed Feulner. In 2019, on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Feulner addressed an audience in Hungary, speaking about the Wall and about the current crisis in American culture.

First, from a historical perspective, Feulner reminded listeners about the importance of the year 1989 and the vast change it brought in Europe and in America. He discussed the constant efforts at joint reform in Eastern Europe and Russia, which met wildly varying levels of success. And he praised the importance of vision and leadership from President Ronald Reagan which contributed to the Wall’s fall.

But Feulner also drew attention to the present. Although communism suffered a massive blow on that day, Feulner said that the current cultural moment in America features the heavy influence of Marxism in a huge number of institutions. Despite capitalism’s victory in the late 20th century, it became the enemy of leftist elites in the 21st, Feulner declared.

In response, Feulner urged hope and action to reclaim the messaging around conservatism and ordered freedom. He specifically argued that young Americans must be reminded of the fight to free the world from a communist superpower and the heroes who resisted it. By emphasizing history, Feulner contended, the West could save its future.

Read his full remarks here

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Thought of the Day:



“Men cannot improve a society by setting fire to it: they must seek out its old virtues, and bring them back into the light.”

- Russell Kirk

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Join ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club

It’s never been easier for you to support our mission—and stay part of our community—with ISI’s new Alumni Giving Club!

For just $19.53 a month, you can join the fight and “pay it forward” by educating the next generation for ordered liberty.

Join the Club

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