At the risk of a zot,
Conservatism is not a simple thing, it is in fact complex, various and fluid. American conservatism especially.
Russell Kirk defined it, to the extent it can be defined.
“The Conservative Mind” is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophical roots and varieties of American Conservatism.
Sure it is. It’s the most simple of all politics. The very definition of conservative means not doing every new feel good/hair brained thing coming down the pike.
Liberalism is complex. It shifts with the winds. You always have to check and see which color bracelet to wear and read up on which words are now verboten that were in wide use the day before...lest some be offended. Liberalism is mental gymnastics given form.
Conservatism is simple. When something has worked well forever...do that. That’s it in a nutshell. No need to fix what ain’t broke. When you compare that statement to any given conservative idea, you see it fits in perfectly.
Simply.