The Russell Kirk Center welcomed Acton Institute interns for their annual intellectual retreat, focusing on the topic of “Russell Kirk and the Conservative Disposition.” To help the student participants deepen their understanding of the meaning of conservatism, they were joined by Jeff Polet, Michael Lucchese, and Michael Maibach.

Dr. Polet spoke on the topic of “Conserving in a Disposable World: What Shall We Save?” As he pointed out, conservatism for Russell Kirk was not an ideology, but rather the disposition to conserve the “permanent things” of human life. Michael Lucchese then discussed “Conservatism as a Literary Tradition,” focusing on Russell Kirk’s seminal book The Conservative Mind and its treatment of humane literature. Taken together, these talks served as an introduction to intellectual conservatism.

Then, after lunch, Kirk Center trustee and director of Save Our States, Michael Maibach, gave a broad historical, political, and practical defense of the Electoral College. His energetic presentation garnered a great deal of interest and discussion, as students noted that the debate over the ongoing viability of the Electoral College is often poorly informed. Maibach’s talk reflected the conservative disposition and emphasized the importance of constitutional government in preserving ordered liberty.

The interns responded enthusiastically to their seminar experience, describing it as intellectually enriching and deeply formative.