Imagine a man so influential yet overlooked that his name never quite makes it into the usual liberal echo chambers. Bernhard Cathrinus Pauss, born on April 6th, 1839, in Drammen, Norway, was one such figure. By day, he was a Norwegian educator, humanitarian, and a prominent figure in the International Red Cross. Yet, on closer inspection, Pauss was a fierce champion of values that aligned more with conservative principles than the liberal ideals that dominate discussions today.
Pauss navigated the educational world with the kind of straightforwardness and dedication typical of conservative thinking. After finishing his education in theology, he chose to teach and later became a principal at various schools. Like a quiet storm in the otherwise stormy seas of liberal education policy, he went the extra mile, co-founding Nissens Pikeskole, a school for girls in Christiania. Pauss wasn't just offering education; he was empowering young women with solid values and critical thinking, not indoctrination. By providing quality education for girls at a time when it was scarce, Pauss was illustrating that empowerment could be achieved without pandering to leftist ideals.
It seems only fitting that a man of such magnitude was involved in humanitarian efforts. He played a vital role in the Red Cross, where he became a committed advocate for practical solutions—a principle that resonates deeply with conservative thinking. His involvement as the vice-chairman of the Norwegian Red Cross demonstrated leadership, shunning fluffy talk for direct actions. The man understood the power of impactful work over empty promises, a mindset the modern-day compassionate conservative likely appreciates.
Let’s not overlook his literary ambitions either. Bernhard Pauss was pivotal in shaping Norwegian literature with his editorial work. As editor of the yearbook of the Norwegian Red Cross, Pauss had a platform. And unlike some biased editors today, he used it responsibly. He used his pen to not just inform, but influence meaningful change—eschewing controversy for thoughtful discourse.
Bernhard Pauss also had a family life that mirrored his public ideals. By marrying into the Nissen family, he formed a partnership that was as aligned with pragmatic values as it was harmonious. His wife, Henriette Nissen, shared his devotion to education. Their collective perseverance created an educational model that steered clear of entitlement and division. In this household, children learned the importance of hard work and commitment, qualities that we've seen erode in today’s overly sensitive culture.
Moreover, Pauss’ international work, especially in France and England, laid the groundwork for more global initiatives, showing us that global engagement doesn’t have to mean abandoning national values. The principles he held dear were universal, echoing the conservative sentiment that the truths we hold to be self-evident don’t change with the tides of popular opinion.
Pauss’ legacy isn't just academic; it’s personal. The city of Oslo unveiled the Bernhard and Henriette Pauss Building as a testament to their contributions to education and humanitarian work. This recognition wasn’t sought through protest or divisive rhetoric, but earned through decades of genuine service. If this doesn't embody conservative ideals of personal responsibility and community service, what does?
His achievements in life are a robust argument for the values of resilience, diligence, and common sense. We need more Bernhard Pausses in today's society—people who create solutions rather than satisfaction. By holding firm to values in education, humanitarianism, and literature, Pauss was laying down a blueprint for future generations to follow.
History has a way of putting people like Pauss in the background because they don't fit the narrative of radical change. But when you dig into his accomplishments and principles, you realize his contributions are not just relevant but essential. One could argue the best way to secure a prosperous future is not by reinventing the wheel every political cycle but by following the sensible paths laid down by people like Bernhard Pauss.