Anonymous
Posted April 11, 2012
I was surprised how much this sounded like modern conservatism. We constantly hear the media narrative that the conservative movement is only a recent development and constantly changing. It was good to read this and see how timeless and common sense (and American) conservatism is. A quick and easy read. Also good to remember how much was at stake during the (very recent) cold war.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 13, 2008
Something everyone, male and female Conservative or Liberal young or old should read. Upon reading, the ideas Mr. Goldwater presents are not so much Conservative as they are common sense. He argues for a smaller federal government, and presents historical accounts of why the founders intended for such. He argues for strict adherence to the Constitution, states' rights, civil liberties, freedoms for the working men, and defines conservatism not as an outdated, intransigent mindset, but an eternal set of ideals that governs according to time-tested truths. A fascinating read from an equally fascinating man. Upon finishing this short manifesto, I think you will join me in saying that one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century was this man's defeat in 1964.
3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TulaneGirl
Posted December 29, 2008
The ultimate manifesto for the true conservative of liberal values. Not an oxymoron. The very word conservatism arose from a need to conserve liberty. And so this book spells out the political philosophy on how to accomplish that goal. <BR/><BR/>But like all political philosophies, very few individuals agree with every proposition every time. And I am no exception. With the removal of two chapters, the chapter on civil rights and the one on the soviet union/communism, then I would wholeheartedly endorse the book with 5 stars.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 12, 2008
This book is simple and easy to read. It lays out conservative values for everyone. <BR/><BR/>The afterword of this was wasted on Robert Kennedy jr. who hates conservative values anyway. He goes on to say that Goldwater has been hijacked by the right and religious. I know John Kennedy had respect for Goldwater and vice versa but dot let one of the most partisan hacks in the U.S. who believes in almost total government control Write the afterword in a book that is all about freedom. <BR/><BR/>I bought two more copies for family members for gifts, I just told them to skip RFK jr.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 29, 2001
I didn't know why I ever became a conservative, until I read this book. Fellow conservatives if you want to know why you should continue to believe in our cause, this is the book to read, to memorize, to quote, to carry with you and wave gleefully at the next GOP rally in your town.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Well written and easily comprehensible.
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More About This Textbook
Overview
In 1960, Barry Goldwater set forth his brief manifesto in The Conscience of a Conservative. Written at the height of the Cold War and in the wake of America's greatest experiment with big government, the New Deal, Goldwater's message was not only remarkable, but radical. He argued for the value and importance of conservative principles—freedom, foremost among them—in contemporary political life. Using the principles he espoused in this concise but powerful book, Goldwater fundamentally altered the political landscape of his day—and ours.
Editorial Reviews
Los Angeles Times
The book lays out, clearly and succinctly, [Goldwater's] uncompromising views. Goldwater held freedom as the highest value in American society: freedom from law, freedom from government, freedom from anybody else's vision but your own. You can argue with him on the particulars, but there's something compelling about his quintessentially American notion of self-reliance.— David Ulin
Wall Street Journal
Praise for the original edition: Goldwater's conservatism is not isolationism, nor is it a cold-blooded commitment to the 'haves' as against the 'have-nots.' It is the creed of a fighter who has both a warm heart and a clear mind.— John Chamberlain
Chicago Tribune
Praise for the original edition: There is more harsh fact and hard sense in this slight book than will emerge from all of the chatter of this year's session of Congress. . . . Sen. Goldwater is one of a handful of authentic conservatives. . . . [H]e has the clarity of courage and the courage of clarity.— George Morgenstern
European Legacy
It is good that C.C. Goldwater brings us this new edition. It directs new attention to a political figure who, though fiery, was never mean-spirited or unfairly partisan.— Max J. Skidmore
The American Conservative
The new Conscience of a Conservative takes what might be called the 'anti-fusionist' side in the Goldwater wars...The Conscience of a Conservative continues to be read today because it isn't a political tract, a soulless campaign book of the sort generated by every other modern presidential effort.— Daniel McCarthy
Los Angeles Times - David Ulin
The book lays out, clearly and succinctly, [Goldwater's] uncompromising views. Goldwater held freedom as the highest value in American society: freedom from law, freedom from government, freedom from anybody else's vision but your own. You can argue with him on the particulars, but there's something compelling about his quintessentially American notion of self-reliance.The American Conservative - Daniel McCarthy
The new Conscience of a Conservative takes what might be called the 'anti-fusionist' side in the Goldwater wars...The Conscience of a Conservative continues to be read today because it isn't a political tract, a soulless campaign book of the sort generated by every other modern presidential effort.European Legacy - Max J. Skidmore
It is good that C.C. Goldwater brings us this new edition. It directs new attention to a political figure who, though fiery, was never mean-spirited or unfairly partisan.Wall Street Journal - John Chamberlain
Praise for the original edition: "Goldwater's conservatism is not isolationism, nor is it a cold-blooded commitment to the 'haves' as against the 'have-nots.' It is the creed of a fighter who has both a warm heart and a clear mind.
Chicago Tribune - George Morgenstern
Praise for the original edition: "There is more harsh fact and hard sense in this slight book than will emerge from all of the chatter of this year's session of Congress. . . . Sen. Goldwater is one of a handful of authentic conservatives. . . . [H]e has the clarity of courage and the courage of clarity.
Product Details
Related Subjects
Meet the Author
Barry M. Goldwater (1909-1998) was a five-term U.S. senator from Arizona whose 1964 campaign for president is credited with reviving American conservatism. His books include "With No Apologies" and a memoir, "Goldwater". CC Goldwater is the granddaughter of Barry Goldwater and the producer of the HBO documentary "Mr. Conservative: Goldwater on Goldwater"
Table of Contents
General Editor's Introduction vii
Foreword by George F. Will ix
Preface xxi
Chapter 1: The Conscience of a Conservative 1
Chapter 2: The Perils of Power 7
Chapter 3: States? Rights 17
Chapter 4: And Civil Rights 25
Chapter 5: Freedom for the Farmer 33
Chapter 6: Freedom for Labor 39
Chapter 7: Taxes and Spending 53
Chapter 8: The Welfare State 63
Chapter 9: Some Notes on Education 71
Chapter 10: The Soviet Menace 81
Afterword by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. 121
Index 139