Much of modern conservatism provides a vision of a good life

      That differs little from that advocated by the most energetic progressives.

          The ends might be different, but the means are the same.

Everything in contemporary culture pushes us

     To look forward, to “aim high” and relentlessly pursue change.

We might remember that there are truly counter cultural ways of living

     That ask for patience, gratitude, and satisfaction instead of impatience, 

          Discontent, and constant desire for what does not yet appear.

Such an attitude does not entail our becoming inactive, boring, or staid,

     But it requires a willingness to preserve rather than tear down and build anew.

Reform would be, as Edmund Burke suggested, more cautious than radical,

     With careful attention to the familiar and the tried.

We might begin by learning to appreciate and even to love,

     As Michael Oakeshott has put it, the

          “Gentle, endearing imperfection of all living things,” including ourselves.