Born in Dublin, Burke was a politician and writer in the British Parliament for decades. He supported the cause of the American colonists, but attacked the French Revolution fiercely, predicting it would end in terror and tyranny. For this he is seen as the father of modern conservatism, which distrusts abrupt change guided only by theories.
Core ideas
Old institutions hold wisdom accumulated over many generations
Reforms should be gradual; revolutions in the name of abstract theories destroy
Society unites those who have died, those who live, and those yet to be born
The tradition: Conservative
Conservatism values tradition, prudence and continuity, preferring to reform rather than break. Burke is its main reference, defending historical inheritance against revolution.
