The Secret Crunchy Con teaching: the evidence mounts
[Mitch Muncy  02/23 04:12 PM]

There’s an interesting article on Leo Strauss and “neoconservatism”, in the March 2006 Prospect. The author’s description of Strauss’ view of democratic society sounds familiar:

Strauss was not the "profoundly tribal and fascistic thinker" described by [critics]. But neither is he a figure with whom liberal democrats can feel entirely comfortable. His support for them is at best pragmatic and provisional; it amounts to little more than the recognition that "at present democracy is the only practicable alternative to various forms of tyranny." Nowhere does Strauss acknowledge freedom or equality as intrinsic goods. Their value, for him, is instrumental; they create a space in which excellence can flourish. "We cannot forget… that by giving freedom to all, democracy also gives freedom to those who care for human excellence. No one prevents us from cultivating our garden or from setting up outposts which may come to be regarded by many citizens as salutary to the republic and as deserving of giving to it its tone."