Three Cardinal Ideas of Western Politics

by Russell Kirk

Now in the political beliefs of what we call “Christian civilization” or “Western civilization” – of which American civilization is a part – there are three cardinal ideas: the idea of justice, the idea of order, and the idea of freedom. These three great concepts are the cement of American society. These three ideas dominated the minds of the founders of our Republic, and they are the principles that underlie American politics nowadays. These concepts of justice and order and freedom have been derived from Jewish and classical and Christian and European thought and experience. They are not peculiarly American; but they are essential to American social existence, and they have attained a high degree of practical expression in American life. They make possible the ordered liberty that is among the chief justifications of the American cause.

“Justice” is the principle and the process by which each man is accorded the things that are his own – the things that belong to his nature. This concept the old Greeks and Romans expressed in the phrase “to each his own.” It is the principle and the process that protects a man’s life, his property, his proven rights, his station in life, is dignity. If also is the principle and the process that metes out punishment to the evil-doer, which enforces penalties against violence and fraud. The allegorical figure of Justice always holds a sword. Justice is the cornerstone of the world-divine justice and human justice. It is the first necessity of any decent society.

“Order” is the principle and the process by which the peace and harmony of society are maintained. It is the arrangement of rights and duties in a state to ensure that a people will have just leaders, loyal citizens, and public tranquility. It implies the obedience of a nation to the laws of God, and the obedience of individuals to just authority. Without order, justice rarely can be enforced, and freedom cannot be maintained.

“Freedom” is the principle and the process by which a man is made master of his own life. It implies the right of all members of adult society to make their own choices in most matters. A slave is a person whose actions, in all important respects, are directed by others; a free man is a person who has the right – and the responsibility – of deciding how he is to live with himself and his neighbors.

Russell Kirk, The American Cause (Wilmington, Delaware, Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 3rd Printing, September 2006), pgs., 50-52.