Yes it is this. The core of conservatism is an understanding of the defects of mankind. It is indeed a pessimistic view of the world.
And it is a losing battle of course. Conservatism pre-supposes the courage and fortitude to fight in a losing cause.
“Yes it is this. The core of conservatism is an understanding of the defects of mankind. It is indeed a pessimistic view of the world.”
The core of American Conservatism is individual liberty, smaller government, and the Constitution. Preserving that is the goal. Acceding to the convenient - the pragmatic - is why we are where we are.
You are correct in that civilizations trend towards bondage, but to accept that one is going to lose the fight is failure. Fight to win.