King, Peter
Reaction
To call someone a reactionary is to insult them and to end any argument. There is no possible rejoinder: no one could possibly wish to be a reactionary. But what if one were to gratefully accept the label? What would it mean to wilfully and honestly be a reactionary? Referencing thinkers as diverse as Burke, de Maistre, Guénon, Ratzinger, Scruton and the Prince of Wales this book considers the nature of reaction as a justified response to modernity and the constant call for change. Reaction is shown to take two distinct forms: first, as a rejection of progress and a defence of traditional culture and values; and second, as a common sense disquiet and distaste towards elites. These are seen as entirely valid responses to the failure of modernity. 'Reaction' presents an original and thoughtful critique of modernity and a defence of tradition. It will be of interest to anyone concerned that we are heading too far and too quickly in the wrong direction.
Keywords: Reaction, politics, change, tradition, Scruton, Burke, elites, modernism, antimodernism, reactionary, progress
- Author(s)
- King, Peter
- Publisher
- Andrews UK
- Publication year
- 2012
- Language
- en
- Edition
- 2
- Page amount
- 179 pages
- Category
- Society
- Format
- Ebook
- eISBN (ePUB)
- 9781845403485
- Printed ISBN
- 9781845403478