Principles and Heresies

Profile of the Establishment

“What is this Establishment you keep writing about?” In conversation and correspondence I have been asked this question a dozen times. The implication is, of course, that we at national review have created a straw man against whom we inveigh; that it is ridiculous to speak, as national review does, of a unity of outlook that so closely binds together the powerful and decisive figures in every sphere of American life, that on all important questions their opinions and action can be predicted within very narrow limits. But that is what an Establishment is: not a conspiracy, not an organized and disciplined body, but men inspired by so essential a unity of belief on fundamental matters that consultation, organization, detailed agreement, is unnecessary.

FS

About the Author

Frank S. Meyer

Frank S. Meyer was a senior editor of National Review.

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Profile of the Establishment

“What is this Establishment you keep writing about?” In conversation and correspondence I have been asked this question a dozen times. The implication is, of course, that we at national review have created a straw man against whom we inveigh; that it is ridiculous to speak, as national review does, of a unity of outlook that so closely binds together the powerful and decisive figures in every sphere of American life, that on all important questions their opinions and action can be predicted within very narrow limits. But that is what an Establishment is: not a conspiracy, not an organized and disciplined body, but men inspired by so essential a unity of belief on fundamental matters that consultation, organization, detailed agreement, is unnecessary.