Russell Kirk: The Father of the Conservative Intellectual Movement

Russell Kirk’s Life and Career

Early Life and Education

Russell Kirk’s formative years in rural Michigan deeply influenced his worldview. Growing up in the small town of Plymouth, he was surrounded by the simplicity and tradition of a conservative, agrarian environment. His upbringing fostered a love for history and literature, which would later serve as the foundation for his intellectual career. Kirk studied at Michigan State College (now Michigan State University), where he earned a degree in history in 1940. This period marked the beginning of his deep appreciation for the wisdom of the past and the importance of tradition, ideas that would become central to his later work.

Following his time at Michigan State, Kirk served in both the left and United States Army during World War II. The horrors of war only reinforced his belief in the necessity of order and the perils of unchecked radicalism. After the war, Kirk sought to deepen his academic pursuits and enrolled at Duke University, where he began graduate studies in history. It was during this time that he further refined his ideas on conservatism, although his intellectual journey was far from complete. Kirk later traveled to Scotland to earn his Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews in 1953, becoming the first American to receive that honor. His doctoral dissertation would eventually evolve into The Conservative Mind, the book that established his reputation as a leading conservative thinker.

The Conservative Mind and Its Impact

When The Conservative Mind was published in 1953, it transformed the landscape of American conservative thought. Kirk’s book traced the intellectual development of conservatism from Edmund Burke to T. S. Eliot, exploring the works of figures like John Adams, Alexis de Tocqueville, and others. This collection of thinkers, according to Kirk, articulated a shared set of beliefs centered around tradition, order, and a skepticism of revolutionary change.

The publication of The Conservative Mind was a landmark moment for American conservatism. At the time, conservatism in the United States was often seen as an anti-intellectual reaction to progressivism, lacking any real philosophical depth. Kirk’s work dispelled this notion by showcasing the rich intellectual heritage of conservative thought. He argued that conservatism was not an ideology in the same sense as liberalism or socialism; instead, it was a disposition rooted in respect for tradition, the preservation of moral order, and an understanding of human nature’s limitations.

Kirk’s emphasis on tradition and order resonated with many Americans in the postwar era, and his ideas became a rallying point for the emerging conservative movement. His work was widely syndicated through outlets such as the Los Angeles Times Syndicate, further extending his influence. Alongside contemporaries like William F. Buckley Jr., who founded National Review, Kirk helped to shape the intellectual foundation of the modern American conservative movement. His focus on culture, morality, and tradition distinguished him from the more pragmatic, policy-oriented conservatives of the time.

Piety Hill and Personal Philosophy

One of the most distinctive features of Kirk’s conservatism was his belief in what he called the “permanent things”—the timeless moral truths that should guide society. His ideas were not limited to political or economic concerns; rather, Kirk saw conservatism as a comprehensive worldview rooted in a moral and spiritual order. He lived out these principles in his personal life, settling in the small town of Mecosta, Michigan, where he purchased a grand old home known as “Piety Hill.”

Piety Hill became a center of intellectual and cultural activity, where Kirk entertained and corresponded with a variety of figures, from politicians to academics. This house, filled with relics of the past, symbolized Kirk’s deep connection to history and tradition. It was also at Piety Hill that Kirk explored his fascination with Gothic fiction and ghost stories. These literary works were not merely diversions for Kirk; they reflected his belief in the supernatural and the importance of moral lessons. His ghost stories often contained underlying moral themes, warning against hubris and moral decay—concerns that also permeated his political writings.

Kirk’s belief in the importance of tradition extended beyond politics to culture and education. He was a staunch critic of what he saw as the decline of moral and intellectual standards in American universities and the broader culture. He advocated for the teaching of classical literature and the humanities, arguing that education should be a means of transmitting cultural wisdom rather than merely a tool for vocational training. This cultural conservatism was a hallmark of his work and further distinguished him from libertarian conservatives who focused primarily on economic issues.

Later Life and Legacy

Russell Kirk’s intellectual contributions extended beyond the pages of The Conservative Mind. Throughout his life, he wrote prolifically, contributing essays and columns to a variety of publications. He founded Modern Age, a conservative quarterly journal, and his syndicated columns reached a wide audience through outlets like the Los Angeles Times Syndicate. His literary talents also flourished in his works of Gothic fiction, where his ghost stories added another layer to his understanding of the world—a world where the supernatural was intertwined with the moral order.

Despite his deep intellectual pursuits, Kirk remained committed to living according to his conservative principles. Piety Hill was not just a home, but a sanctuary where he nurtured his family and intellectual community, living out his belief in the value of tradition, localism, and rootedness.

His conversion to Roman Catholicism in the 1960s further deepened his spiritual and moral convictions, reinforcing his commitment to the moral order that he believed was necessary for a stable and just society. Kirk’s political affiliations were complex, as evidenced by his support for Eugene McCarthy in the 1976 presidential election, showcasing his occasional divergence from traditional conservative positions. Additionally, Kirk expressed his disillusionment with mainstream political choices during the 1944 election, where he opted to vote for Norman Thomas, the Socialist Party candidate, highlighting his complex political affiliations and beliefs.

Kirk passed away in 1994, but his legacy endures.

His work continues to inspire conservative thinkers, activists, and politicians. Through his writing, Kirk provided the intellectual scaffolding for a conservatism that transcended mere politics, focusing on the moral and cultural foundations of society. His influence on the American conservative movement remains profound, and his works—both political and literary—continue to be read and studied by those who seek to understand the deeper currents of conservative thought.

Russell Kirk’s life was marked by a commitment to defending the traditions and moral truths that he believed were essential to human flourishing. Whether through his political writings, his literary criticism, his Gothic and science fiction, his short stories or his ghost stories, Kirk sought to remind his readers of the enduring importance of the “permanent things” in a world often too eager to discard them in favor of progress and novelty.

Philosophy and thought

American Conservatism

Russell Kirk argued that the moral imagination of American conservatism should be based on the values and beliefs that came from the Western tradition established by Judeo-Christian, Greek, and Roman thought. American conservatism, Kirk wrote, should not fall victim to the moral relativism, social fragmentation, and a loss of genuine community that liberalism and modernity caused.

Drawing from Edmond Burke, Russell Kirk wrote that the moral imagination of American conservatism, unlike radical thought brought about by the French Revolution, should be based on historical tradition and continuity.

In light of a post-World War II society, Russell Kirk was faced with the ideological problems brought by the rise of the Soviet Union. Russell Kirk believed that the ideological implications of the Soviet Union’s communism impeded on the individualism, free enterprise, and a moral framework of the conservative movement and its political thought. He saw the Soviet Union and communism as another continuation of the totalitarian state that the climate of World War II gave way to.

Russell Kirk’s 10 Conservative Principles

In The Conservative Mind, Russell Kirk laid out ten principles that he believed every moral and virtuous citizen should adhere to:

1. The conservative believes that there exists an enduring moral order. That order is made for man, and man is made for it: human nature is a constant, and moral truths are permanent.
2. The conservative adheres to custom, convention, and continuity.
3. Conservatives believe in what may be called the principle of prescription.
4. Conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence.
5. Conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety.
6. Conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability.
7. Conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property are closely linked.
8. Conservatives uphold voluntary community, quite as they oppose involuntary collectivism.
9. The conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints upon power and upon human passions.
10. The thinking conservative understands that permanence and change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society.

Books by Russell Kirk

The Conservative Mind

Russell Kirk’s The Conservative Mind, first published in 1953, provides a comprehensive examination of the intellectual roots and principles of conservatism. The book, which is a is often credited with reviving interest in conservative philosophy in the mid-20th century and has had a significant impact on modern conservative thought.

Kirk’s primary aim in The Conservative Mind is to explore and articulate the core principles of conservatism by tracing its development through key figures in Western intellectual history. He identifies conservatism not as a static ideology but as a tradition rooted in enduring principles and values that have evolved over time.

The book begins with a discussion of the historical origins of conservative thought, focusing on figures from Edmund Burke to the 20th-century American conservatives. Kirk argues that modern age of conservatism is deeply rooted in a respect for tradition, a belief in the importance of moral order, and a recognition of the complexities of human nature. He contrasts this with liberalism and radicalism, which he views as ideologies that often reject tradition and seek to impose abstract principles on society.

Central to Kirk’s thesis imaginative conservatism is the idea that conservatism is a reaction against the excesses of radical change and a defense of established institutions and practices. He emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage and societal norms, suggesting that these provide stability and continuity in a rapidly changing world. Kirk’s conservatism is therefore characterized by a skepticism towards utopian visions and an appreciation for the accumulated wisdom of past generations.

In examining various conservative thinkers, Kirk highlights several key themes. One is the belief in a moral and ethical order that transcends individual preferences and serves as a foundation for society. This order is often associated with religious or philosophical traditions that provide a sense of meaning and purpose.

Another important theme is the emphasis on the importance of community and social cohesion. Kirk argues that individuals are inherently social beings who find their true fulfillment within the context of a stable community. Thus, conservatism values institutions such as family, religion, and local governance that foster a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility.

Kirk also addresses the concept of “ordered liberty,” which he defines as the balance between individual freedom and societal order. He asserts that true freedom cannot exist such a scale without some degree of order and that a well-functioning society requires a respect for both personal autonomy and communal norms.

Throughout the book, Russell Kirk engages with the ideas of various conservative thinkers, including Edmund Burke, who is considered a foundational figure in conservative thought, and other influential figures such as John Adams, Alexis de Tocqueville, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. By examining their writings and ideas, Kirk demonstrates how conservatism has evolved and adapted over time while remaining grounded in its core principles.

The Conservative Mind offers a detailed exploration of conservative thought, emphasizing its commitment to tradition, moral order, and community. Kirk’s work provides a historical, cultural criticism and philosophical context for understanding conservatism, positioning it as a thoughtful and principled response to the challenges of modernity. The book remains a key text for anyone interested in the intellectual foundations of conservatism and its role in contemporary political discourse.

The Roots of American Order

Published in 1974, Russell Kirk’s The Roots of American Order explores the political philosophy that lays the foundation for American society. Kirk wrote that classic American thought is a combination of the historical tradition of five different cities: Jerusalem, Athens, Rome, London, and Philadelphia.

Russell Kirk begins his book by examining the moral imagination that shaped the American founding. Through the influence of Judeo-Christian values and Greek and Roman philosophy, the moral imagination of the Founders was characterized by these influences’ understanding of governance, virtue, and civic responsibility.

Through the tradition that was established in Jerusalem, conservative political thought is rooted in the moral implications of the existence of God. Conservative principles are ultimately Judeo-Christian values.

The tradition of conservative political thought was strengthened by the Greeks. With Greek philosophy, political self-awareness was achieved. Government structures and political thought became established with Greek philosophy.

Rome’s contribution towards conservatism was the formation of written law that emphasized a social awareness informed by the overall political structure. With the Enlightenment and the inception of common law, London saw the arrival of conceptions of representative government, modern economic systems, and social patterns that the Founders drew great inspiration from.

Finally, Philadelphia, the birthplace of our great nation, saw the development of rights and a system of government that emphasized a personal freedom protected by laws and customs.

Influence on American Conservatism

Conservative Institutions

Russell Kirk’s overall philosophical groundwork for conservatism influenced many conservative institutions.

Due to his political ideas, the Heritage Foundation’s advocacy for traditional family structures and social values was based off of Russell Kirk and his work. In 1989, the same year he received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Ronald Reagan, the Heritage Foundation named Russell Kirk as a Distinguished Scholar for his work and scholarly writing.

Russell Kirk was one of the earlier contributors to the National Review. Founded in 1955 by William F. Buckley, the National Review quickly became one of the leading publications in conservative thought, partly due to the work of Russell Kirk. With National Review’s stance against the radical movements of that time, Russell Kirk’s view on tradition and political ideas with a strong moral basis aligned with the work of the publication.