Strauss Everywhere

It's more than a little surprising to me that non-political-theory geeks have even discovered Leo Strauss, let alone put all of the "evils" of neoconservatism (or sometimes conservativism -- take your pick) on him.

I do think it's fair to say that Strauss and Straussians have influenced some conservatives (or neoconservatives, if one prefers the term). But an essay on Strauss that Orrin Judd discovered might go too far, as might a newspaper column noted by the good folks at No Left Turns (Ashbrook's blog).

These theories of sinister conservative cabals of Straussians were really popularized (if such a thing can be said of an academic text) by Shadia Drury's books on Strauss, which had some good points sprinkled in the sensationalism run amok.

It's just really surprising to me to see them popping up so frequently. But I suppose it's a good thing, if people actually go and take the time to read the late political theorist. And might I suggest An Introduction To Political Philosophy and Persecution And The Art Of Writing, and Natural Right And History to get things rolling.

[Posted at 22:31 CST on 11/12/02] [Link]