I don't trust liberals, I trust conservatives.

"I don't trust liberals, I trust conservatives." These words, attributed to Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher, strike with the weight of personal conviction and reflection on the nature of trust and wisdom. Seneca, known for his sharp insights into human nature, morality, and virtue, expresses here his preference for stability, the preservation of tradition, and the resistance to unchecked change. In this statement, he reveals a belief that the conservative mindset—rooted in caution, respect for the tried and tested, and a measured approach to change—provides a more reliable foundation for trust than the often idealistic and radical tendencies of those who champion progress at any cost. To Seneca, trust was not given lightly, and it was earned by those who demonstrated wisdom through self-restraint, patience, and prudence, qualities he felt were embodied by conservatives rather than those who sought to dismantle established systems.

In the ancient world, conservatism was not merely a political stance but a philosophy of life. The Roman Republic, before its fall into empire, was governed by a series of customs, laws, and traditions that were deeply valued by its citizens. The Senate, the body that represented the aristocratic class, saw itself as the protector of these traditions, acting as a counterbalance to the whims of any one leader or the unstable desires of the people. In this context, Seneca’s trust in conservatives reflects a deep alignment with the Roman values of stability, order, and moderation. He was wary of radical reforms that could disrupt the delicate balance of society, understanding that without respect for tradition, the very fabric of the Republic could unravel. The conservatives, in his view, were the stewards of wisdom, guiding the state with caution and foresight, rather than the unchecked passions of reformers who might seek change for its own sake.

Consider the example of Cato the Younger, another Stoic philosopher and politician from the late Roman Republic, who embodies many of the qualities Seneca admired in conservatives. Cato was known for his unwavering commitment to Roman traditions and his resistance to the centralization of power. He believed strongly in the ideals of the Republic—a system that protected the power of the Senate, the voice of the people, and the integrity of the laws. When Julius Caesar rose to power, threatening to dismantle these structures in favor of imperial rule, Cato stood as a defender of the Republic. His conservative nature, his trust in established institutions, and his steadfastness in protecting the past serve as an example of the values Seneca saw as worthy of trust. Cato’s dedication to tradition, even at the cost of his own life, exemplified the stoic commitment to self-control and wisdom, which Seneca would have admired and sought to emulate in his own philosophy.

However, it is important to recognize that Seneca’s views on trust are rooted in his larger Stoic philosophy. The Stoics, including Seneca, placed great value on virtue and reason as the guiding principles of life, advocating for an existence that was free from the turmoil of unchecked emotion and fleeting desires. To Seneca, the conservative approach was one that kept the individual grounded in the present, with an eye toward what had worked well in the past. He saw liberalism, or a constant drive toward change, as potentially dangerous, especially when change was motivated by impulse or emotion rather than reason. Trust, in his view, should not be given to those who sought to disrupt the natural order without first considering the consequences, but rather to those who respected the wisdom of the past and acted with caution.

In modern times, the quote might seem to draw a clear line between liberalism and conservatism, but Seneca’s point was not necessarily political in the way we understand it today. His focus was on the values that guide human action—moderation, stability, and respect for wisdom. **He viewed trust as something that should be given to those who seek the steady course, not the radical shift. It was not about opposing progress, but rather about avoiding the chaos that could ensue when people sought change without considering the foundations upon which societies and individuals are built.

The lesson Seneca imparts is one of prudence and caution. While change is an inevitable part of life, it must be approached with care. Those who act with respect for tradition, reason, and moderation are often more reliable guides in times of uncertainty than those who are swept up in the fervor of revolution or unchecked ambition. To live with wisdom is to understand that not all change is beneficial, and that the pursuit of progress should never come at the cost of stability and integrity. We must, therefore, place our trust not in those who advocate for change merely for the sake of it, but in those who demonstrate the wisdom of experience, who understand the weight of history, and who know that true progress comes through careful and deliberate action.

In practical terms, we must cultivate the ability to question the motivations behind change, to ask whether it is being pursued with wisdom or whether it is simply the product of impulse. As we navigate our own lives, whether in politics, business, or relationships, we must seek out those who demonstrate steady leadership, who act from a place of reason and integrity, and who respect the lessons of the past. Trust should be earned through consistent action, not offered blindly to those who promise change without understanding its consequences. By learning to trust those who embody prudence, we lay the groundwork for a more stable and harmonious future.