I'd say the 6 principles listed on pages one and two identify what conservatives have in common. I have not read Kirk's book, but I should. Certainly Goldwater in conscience of a conservative shared these, as did Ike, although he saw govt as a means to shape society, but I think one can honestly argue Ike's view of govt did not run afoul of 5 and 6.No one can even name a "true conservative ". Are they unicorns or somthing ? Has anyone ever seen one ??
http://www.kirkcenter.org/images/uploads/kirkconservativesummary.pdf