Sir Roger Scruton: How to Be a Conservative

Recorded on February 27, 2017
In the latest episode from Uncommon Knowledge, Sir Roger Scruton, a formally trained political philosopher, talks about his life and the events he’s witnessed that led him to conservatism. He first embraced conservatism after witnessing the leftist student protests in France in May 1968. During the ensuing riots in Paris, more than three hundred people were injured. Scruton walked away from this event with a change in worldview and a strong leaning toward conservatism. Visits to communist- controlled Poland and Czechoslovakia in 1979 cemented his preference for conservatism and his distaste for the fraud of communism and socialism, initiating a desire to do something about it. From thereon he dedicated himself to helping organize underground seminars for the young people oppressed behind the iron curtain.
Sir Roger examines a brief history of conservatism in the twentieth century of England in regard to Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill. Although he appreciates what Margaret Thatcher stood for, he argues that she had many conservative ideals but never used the conservative framework to organize her overall political strategy. Instead she organized around market economics, which was not always effective in the social, cultural, and legal areas. Peter Robinson argues that Winston Churchill did a much better job of organizing around conservative ideals but eventually lost an election because he didn’t have the vocabulary or the focus on free markets. They discuss the tenuous relationship between free markets and conservative ideals that have not mixed well together in British politics.
Robinson and Sir Roger discuss the 2016 political upset of Brexit in the United Kingdom and how the political analysts failed to predict the vote outcome, much like what happened in November 2016 in the United States. They deliberate how the issues around immigration from Eastern Europe to the United Kingdom contributed to Brexit, in addition to general dissatisfaction with the European Union. Thus, in the cases of both the United Kingdom and the United States, the media and intellectuals ignored the will of the “indigenous working classes” who made their voices known through their votes.
About the Guest: Sir Roger Scruton
Sir Roger Scruton is an English writer and philosopher who has published more than fifty books in philosophy, aesthetics, and politics. His book discussed in this episode was How to Be a Conservative; it was published in 2014. He is a fellow of the British Academy and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He teaches in both England and America and is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Washington. DC. He is currently teaching an MA in philosophy course for the University of Buckingham. Sir Scruton was knighted in 2016 by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to philosophy, teaching and public education.”

Additional Resources:
Brexit:
www.hoover.org/news/hoover-fel...
www.hoover.org/research/brusse...
www.hoover.org/research/gibral...
www.theguardian.com/commentis...
www.theguardian.com/commentis...
www.hoover.org/research/will-b...
Margaret Thatcher:
www.hoover.org/profiles/margar...
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/polit...
www.hoover.org/research/thatch...
www.wnd.com/2013/04/ed-meese-t...
0055d26.netsolhost.com/liberta...
Conservatism:
www.hoover.org/news/political-...
blindspotpodcast.com/2017/05/...
www.hoover.org/events/conserva...
www.realclearpolitics.com/art...
Immigration:
www.hoover.org/perspective-dec...
For the full transcript go to
www.hoover.org/research/how-be...
Interested in exclusive Uncommon Knowledge content? Check out Uncommon Knowledge on social media!
Facebook: / uncknowledge
Twitter: / uncknowledge
Instagram: / uncommon_knowledge_show

[@juliand.l.4310]

I just found out! He died on January 12, 2020. I found this “talk” back in July of 2019! Such an amazing man! I looked up to him. He was able to influence this young Mexican! Gosh! I am going to cry! But I thank God for his life!

[@javrilo9066]

Julian Dl ahuevo !!

[@afterlate8866]

Sir Roger Scruton - a man with guts and humility. RIP.

[@writereducator]

If you cannot exclude people from your property in what sense is it yours?

[@lillgnaelle]

Last question: "Even England isn't the Shire anymore"... Isn't it strange that everybody wants to live in the Shire, but it is Mordor that's being built. How about striving towards the Shire?

[@tubularbill]

This man is my new hero. I have never heard conservatism and basic common sense put so eloquently and directly.

[@zakward7243]

The interviewer is very good at his job. He asks valid questions in a personable format using examples and quotes from this mans book. An absolute rarity, you get much more ideas and information this way. Spot on.

[@acarouselofantics]

"I've never in my life been hopeful. I take the view that pessimism is the wise position to adopt because you are always agreeably surprised." - Dr. Roger Scruton (43:45) / I just love the way that this guy thinks.

[@ThePolo77j]

It's a very stoic approach to life

[@whiff1962]

Jerome Danner That pretty much seems to sum up Conservatism. Change what you can, and work with what you can't.

[@cameronhermit]

so true

[@laniakea777]

Stoicism

[@jeromerochon7969]

From another Jerome: look up up the saint - he was was no optimist about human nature! Truth and reality always beat out wishful thinking. If you look first for truth, you'll most often be pleasantly surprised.

[@JM-pm3ob]

What a treat! I've just discovered Scruton and have been binge-consuming his content.

[@RichardABW]

Notthony Fantanotano Me too. Discovered on James Delingpole.

[@eidos1975]

+Jay eM Agreed. So are Robert Koons (Google, for instance, "Robert Koons Conservative Primer"); William Vallicella (Google "maverick philosopher"); Jay Wesley Richards; Scott Rae; Francis Beckwith; J. Budziszewski; Robert Sirico; and Arthur Brooks.

[@cameronhermit]

ha

[@the_9ent]

In Rainbows Look up Peter Hitchens too

[@JohnnyNorfolk]

Yes its the like of the BBC who turned their back on him.

[@Comodusprimus]

Scruton is excellent as always. But also the interviewer deserves kudos. Exceptional and articulate thinker, too. Would there were more like him.

[@BetwixtDandD]

It is so very refreshing to listen to an intelligent person speak. The world needs many, many more Roger Scrutons!

[@stuckmannen3876]

It's not racist to be proud of your heritage and to want to preserve it and your people. Despite what the media tells you...Nationalism is not racism. The west is missing this... Don't take your heritage for granted... Different people bring different cultures, don't expect foreigners to preserve your peoples culture and traditions.

[@patricklucey8850]

Wow.....

[@Rickswars]

Bingo!

[@grahamwilkins8429]

This is such a good point. Immigrants will bring variety and colour to your country and create a varied landscape, however, they won't know your culture and won't preserve it, that's your job. It certainly isn't racist, it's part of growing and changing nations. The past needs to be preserved and celebrated while still welcoming the changes. Otherwise, you'll wake up one day and wonder where it went.

[@Wilantonjakov]

so true.

[@carrillo2010]

Remarkable whose seeing this in 2020...and say wow.. everything he has said is coming to true

[@reygarevkogan7196]

I love this guy, also it doesn't hurt that he kinda looks like David Bowies older philosopher brother.

[@nyahhbinghi]

power of voodoo, you do

[@dulio12385]

Remind me of the babe

[@veronicaapav8975]

Smart, courageous, and brave.

[@crismaximo354]

That's who he reminds of! OMG

[@kaisersozay99]

he is sweet, but the interviewer is an absolute tool.

[@contrarian4762]

Perhaps the greatest conservative intellectual of our time

[@acarouselofantics]

I Love Scruton!

[@telemarq7481]

He shows us the way.....

[@HagiaSophia1952]

Telemarq: He's also a parish-church-attending Anglican!

[@phillipjones3439]

Well said

[@afifahhamilton8843]

How wonderful! Two of my favourite men, speaking intelligently about something truly important.

[@nick_g1126]

One of the greatest thinker this country has ever produced. So proud ho have him ❤️🇬🇧

[@givinitsome]

I like the bit at the end where Scruton talks about nostalgia being underrated. Surely this nostalgia is part of our identity and what keeps a model in our minds for the right way things should be.

[@user-go4fb7se8i]

givinitsome Nostalgia is overrated in consumerism, unfortunately

[@aryehfinklestein9041]

Scruton is learned, wise and brilliant - a rare combination. And there is nothing that he says here that can be honestly and successfully contradicted. Which really...says it all.

[@NewWorldDAO]

yea and unfortunately way too thought provokeing for the typical Liberal. We Need Kanye West to tweet his love for Scruton!

[@SomethinAintRightHere]

spoken like a true intellectual... Sir, you are a scholar and a gentleman.

[@veronicaapav8975]

Quite.

[@Hybzy]

An intellectual giant. I have to listen to these great conservative thinkers like Scruton, Sowell and Murray. I wish Australia had it's own great conservative public intellectuals.

[@EternalIntelligence]

“The convention is to be hostile toward conventions.”

[@hanskallafrasonen]

Mesmerizing and refreshing. Great interview! Greetings from Norway

[@andrewmckay2118]

The man is light years a head but he has been suppressed by the left The internet has given us a wonderful voice that has almost gone extinct we are lucky to listen to his thinking in a free way

[@tsiiphsycoii]

For every wrinkle this brilliant man has 1000 pieces of fine wisdom.

[@SF-rf9if]

"But we do require them to share our commitment to the place where we are, because this is where we're building our home." This is a point that conservatives around the world need to drive into the skulls of every sensible being on the planet. Such a simple and concise, but inconceivably important point.

[@sabbatini2372]

Not only a great thinker and genuine conservative, but also the best interview I've seen with him.

[@rosalienuxe7026]

The West needs Roger Scruton now more than ever.

[@okmelancholico]

"Nostalgia is an underrated aspect of the human condition". Hear! Hear!

[@realgone222]

Excellent interview. Scruton is a treasure and Robinson does a fine job here.

[@l2084]

This man is very smart!!!!!!!!!! It is exquisite to listen to him

[@louvee5009]

The horse hockey of "Market solutions to every social problem" Good show old boy.

[@cameronhermit]

yes such intelligence in his speech

[@veronicaapav8975]

I concur with your opinion.

[@KittraKittra]

Pessimism is the wise position to adopt because your are sometimes agreeably surprised. What a charmer! What a sad loss to the world that Sir Roger Scruton passed away.

[@marimar9056]

I live in a country where leaders talk pure nonsense. The nation is sinking in stupidity. Listening to this man is music for the ears. Ideas, thinking, and manners.

[@Charlemagne_III]

Wow. This guy is hitting the nail on the head right out of the gate. clearly a very knowledgeable person.

[@eidos1975]

Agreed. Scruton is one of the great and the good. And brilliant. Even his enemies think so.

[@cameronhermit]

for sure

[@veronicaapav8975]

🤗 I just love him. His mind, 🤔. He astounds me.

[@Markdchristoph]

As someone that considers himself left-leaning, I really really like Scruton.Everything that comes out of his mouth rings true.

[@sneakthieve]

Wonderful articulation of conservatism

[@thefullbug9515]

I love this series, not least because of Peter Robinson's erudition, eloquence and excellent presence and style of engaging in these conversations with his distinguished guests. This was yet another great piece with a truly compelling philosopher and intellect like Roger Scruton. One of my most admired conservatives for a very long time. And oh, I have that book that Mr. Robinson featured in this interview. I'd readily recommend it.

[@CurseCreep]

its horrible to think that he might be the last great conservative mind that operated within the confinds of the intellectual class

[@gabrielbosco4946]

Just ramping up my english with sir Roger Scruton.

[@JamesSaintFiacre]

This man is absolutely brilliant.

[@TNFlies]

Introduced to Roger Scruton by my philosophy professor in college. Very glad he did so, I often return to his talks. Such a principled individual.

[@senorblanco4993]

On the 68ers - "They were acting out a self scripted drama where the central characters were themselves". Sounds like everything from the aimless Women's march to the cosplaying of Antifa.

[@HagiaSophia1952]

Absolutely superb! Especially when it comes to the 'Corbynistas': those who "say that they represent the working classes; but who feel repugnance in their presence!" Corbyn and Blair typify this attitude.

[@gregb6469]

As does Hillary, who calls such persons "deplorables".

[@sallyb1689]

Mark Dyer exactly what I was thinking when listening to that. The left are indeed malignant parasites.

[@Lytton333]

Which is why he moved to Upper Middle Class Islington and not Barnsley or Romford.

[@cabbage9398]

Corbyn is a genuine Internationalist Socialist. He sincerely feels no more loyalty to the non-British (i.e White) poor than the world's poor.

[@cachinnation448]

Amazing interview. Thanks to the late Sir Scruton and the great interviews by Peter Robinson. Life savers!!

[@CanadianBaconCrumble]

This man was a true legend. RIP Sir.

[@cpawp]

A conversation worth watching - especially when you are from the continent ...

[@newweaponsdc]

Sir Roger Scruton is the 21st century's Edmund Burke.

[@TerryStewart32]

newweaponsdc I think that's an inflated view. He's a highly educated man who espouses conservatism as the correct political approach. But to call him a modern day Edmund Burke is nonsensical

[@ArthurKaletzky]

Indeed, and that should cause Scruton to be ashamed of himself. Burke was a thoroughly nasty piece of work who opposed the Great French Revolution, to this day the foundation of all European politics.

[@necessarythoughts3605]

@@ArthurKaletzky What? The Great French Revolution? You mean one of the most destructive events in European history that aimed to destroy European traditional order and replace it with tyrannical Jacobinism?

[@WiggaMachiavelli]

@@ArthurKaletzky Vive la Vendée! Vive la contre-révolution! Vive le roi!

[@wasabimanic]

European politics, Robespierre > Marxism and all the evil that has spawned. Collectivist Coersion in all its manifestations

[@name-jn3ri]

What an incredible thinker. Gone too soon. You'll be missed, RIP.

[@t8yman]

Superb interview. Sir Roger has some of the most joined up thinking I have ever heard. His interview (fairly informal and casual) with James Delingpole, on the Delingpole Podcast is also superb for those looking for further content.

[@eidos1975]

Thanks for the recommendation! Very helpful.

[@AK-ne4og]

Sir Scrutton there might be hope. We are starting to get this understanding about the value of conservatism here in Brazil

[@aryehfinklestein9041]

As a Scruton fan, I'm grateful to you for posting this.

[@AK-ne4og]

What a amazing talk!!!!!!!!!!!! It made my day!

[@tomburroughes9834]

I met him more than 30 years ago as an undergraduate while I attended a dinner in the UK. He was a delightful guy, very friendly and encouraging. One of those writers whom I read with interest even if I don't share his views on all things.

[@sp4de69]

FINALLY! Thank you so much for putting this together.

[@super-dec-steve]

Love Peter Robinson's way of interviewing. So elegant

[@2serveand2protect]

Poland here! ...responding to your previous video about -(quote): "The DEATH Of Europe" >>> WE'RE NOT DEAD YET! ...and until God is with us - WE NEVER WILL!

[@josephvictory9536]

Peter robinson, best interviewer i have ever seen. Direct quotes, insightful and provocative questions! Hover Institute consistently puts out high quality wow!

[@TheQuiQuestion]

So this is where the word "scrutinize" came from.

[@evilways961]

You figure someone like me wouldn't watch this channel, but I cannot get enough of the HooverInstitution. Thanks for the Channel and thanks for all the great guests and commentary.

[@LucasMagriniRigo]

Wonderful interview! It's always pleasant to hear the way Sir Roger Scruton explains our inner feelings about these complicate matters in such a clear manner.

[@william.james.]

Following this interview, I bought his book and I will be reading it again and again. His thought processes and insights are like an open window on a blustery day.

[@jn3750]

I am impressed by Mr. Scruton and will be buying his books. American academic.

[@joaocarlossaraiva-pinheiro3530]

I have read this book. It opened my mind! Thank you, Sir Scruton

[@leeclarke917]

Sir Roger Scruton, I will miss him.

[@pokeround]

Wonderful to see Scruton given an outing by the Hoover Institution. HTBAC was, by far, the best book that I read last year. Homely and compassionate yet sharp and insightful, it blew my mind repeatedly. The latter half gets increasingly dense until the last couple of chapters, I intend to revisit it again soon. Just a shame the audiobook version isn't read by the author himself - that would've been a real treat.

[@herschelgould2126]

Rest in Peace Sir Roger.

[@notlimey]

An intelligent interview of a Burkean conservative. To my Canadian ears, George Grant with an English accent.

[@vitlastovka2728]

Being born in Czech Republic and actually having an opportunity to listen people who has been organizing for years these "underground universities" it is really unique to hear R.S. talking about it as an outsider and how he was influenced by these movements.

[@Peterfukinruwlar]

Blood and soil. Always and it won't change

[@jimhughes1070]

Sir Rodger Scruton... He can be my neighbor!! Everything was well said Sir!!

[@eddieburke1404]

Correction Edmund Burke was born and reared in Dublin Ireland

[@JimQuinlanEnergyFinance]

Well-played in defining what the West needs to preserve its principles of living.

[@Cronos-ms3pw]

the interviewer comes across as harmless but he asks the right questions. Good combo.

[@johnjohnson2703]

We need more great men like Roger Scruton!

[@histman3133]

R.I.P. Roger Scruton! *Salute*

[@blaisemorris7601]

Please send this You Tube with Scruton to CCHQ , 10 Downing St and the Carlton Club

[@mrhat50]

I think they should take notes!

[@peteroreilly8060]

Sir Roger is a great Englishman. most admirable.

[@angusmcangus7914]

I just keep on coming back and back to this. I’ve watched it many times. The Philosophy of Sir Roger Scruton shall be the salvation of the Anglosphere and therefore the whole of the West.

[@tommore3263]

Wonderful. Simply wonderful. What conversation can be.

[@f18l]

Peter Robinson gets not enough credit from Scruton for having done his homework. Robinson is a brilliant interviewer who is across Scruton's work and ably keeps pace with him. Really smart questions, worthy, at times, of more fulsome answers.

[@renaissanceman1706]

Disagree with the Anglosphere comment, I am Austrian and we also have a great conservative heritage and consider it an antidote to revolutionary change. (Hayek was Austrian after all) Other than that, very insightful talk.

[@bookguitarguy]

Truly impressive. I'd never heard of him, but this is a great man with little ego whose commitment to Truth is palpable. Thank you Sir.

[@normaanderssonrealtor5304]

Such a great conversation. One's mind isn't truly open until one is willing to hear and understand all sides.

[@radicalleavemealone-ist7751]

Outstanding interview

[@disgruntledtoons]

Being a conservative requires nothing more than working in a field where you pay the price for being wrong.

[@davehudsonfla]

This dude is the flat-out best questioner.

[@rsaunable]

The teeter-totter analogy Peter used was something I'd never thought of, but it seems fairly accurate... It truly was a brilliant insight.

[@chadjcrase]

It was brilliant and I think it succinctly encapsulated the difference between the US and the Commonwealth when it comes to social welfare and the more common acceptance (even amongst Conservatives) of such things in Commonwealth countries.

[@sallyjom-cooper470]

I'm so happy to find another academic to listen to, I've watched pretty much everything Dr Jordan B Peterson put out and need more content.

[@mindyschaper]

MetalsmithBear Watch Thomas Sowell.

[@amacnaughton85]

Daniel Hannan; David Berlinski; Jonathan Haidt; Iain McGilchrist--all worth listening to!

[@RkristinaTay]

Do you mind if they are dead? G.K. Chesterton 'Orthodoxy' and Everlasting Man.

[@vaibhavuniyal1842]

@@RkristinaTay most people have unfortunately never heard of great man Chesterton. There is something wrong with modern conservatives.

[@vaibhavuniyal1842]

Don't defile Prof. Scruton by comparing him to Peterson.

[@bobp363]

As i ex Democrat , I can say without a second thought that this man had more class and thoughtfulness , never mind true intellect then 99.99 % of anyone i ever knew on the Left .

[@abelincoln95]

Sir Roger for President!! (YES, I know he is British!) This guy has it figured out....

[@veronicaapav8975]

Sir Roger , Sir Roger, SIR ROGER... Now I can head off to work feeling hopeful.

[@thayungbuck16]

I always enjoy listening to intellectually stimulating and insightful views, similar to the ones presented by Sir Roger Scruton in this video.

[@publius5561]

I miss Thomas Sowell

[@MrLUKEdoggydog113]

He's still alive

[@MrBaHalls]

yeah he still lives. may god be with him

[@brent3086]

Anthony Katgert I bet u that's what what made him decide to retire.

[@electronpusher604]

Jesus Christ I about had a heart attack, I thought you were insinuating that TS had died.

[@jesseboy303]

Sowell is great, but I think he's getting a bit old and past his prime. His heydey seems to be from the 80's to about the 2010's...so more than 30 years; he's had a great run as a thinker and original philosopher/economist. I've only read a few of his books, but his strongest and most popular works seems to fall in this time period. What i'm saying is, it would be unfair to expect any great new revolutionary insight from him; he's said what he's going to say and will only produce minor elaborations thereof...

[@WinstonLorde]

EXCELLENT INTERVIEW

[@Alijim93]

Being from the Shire (Worcestershire) I can tell Peter that he is wrong, it's as lovely as ever, but only thanks to people holding opinions similar to Sir Roger, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage

[@hamnchee]

Yall make good sauce.

[@rigilchrist]

I miss this gentle giant. I have maybe 10 of his books. I wish the current conservative leader in the UK would read them.

[@peterwebb8732]

In response to Sir Roger’s criticism of Mrs Thatcher and the ideology of the free market. Is the problem with the free market, or is it that we have so lost our sense of values, that we will sell everything for a price? Do we, like Esau, sell our birthright for a mess of pottage, and act surprised that doing so means that we don’t have it any more? That selling our cake, means that we can neither eat it, nor have it? I am not a philosopher of Sir Roger’s calibre, far from it. My understanding of Conservatism is that it recognises the value of experience. Experience shows us that in order to improve, we must change - but also that not all change is improvement. Therefore it behoves us to consider carefully before we change those things which we know to work, and to exchange them only for those things which are at least equally valuable….. and making due allowance for our imperfect foresight. If Conservatism is not more widely supported, it is because we lack those in the public space who can articulate a convincing vision of its benefits.

[@admfernando]

Hi, pls, do not delete this vd. I’ll find a good place to watch it later. Thank you✔️

[@hugoc1861]

the same goes to Portugal situation, we re being rulled by global powers, global ideas, leftist ideas. Portugal was never lead this way, i hate socialism, with times passing, the more Leftist has power, the more the world that made me sickens me. This Character is a true mind, love his logic his point of views, his arguments, he s a philosopher, interpreter, reader, student, wish my country had minds like this one.

[@FrankCunhaIII]

Hugo c sad about Portugal. I’m Luso Americano and wish Europe would see the light.

[@TheVickikelly]

Hugo c just share him his ideas are universal for western countries

[@hugoc1861]

Vicki k as Scruton says, each EU country as it s own singularities and his own past actions. Some of Scruton defends are impossible to apply at Portugal.

[@paulg444]

A truly great man. Stood in the gap for us for a long time.

[@ateberga8708]

What to do as a second generation immigrant living in South Africa, constantly being told that "we" stole the land? Great interview, thank you.

[@PresterMike]

Ate Berga well in all honesty..you're ancestors did..

[@PresterMike]

Ate Berga and i agree with u..it was an amazing interview