If you would understand anything, observe its beginning and its development

Harry Phibbs, now a journalist, reflects on his time in the Federation of Conservative Students:

"An invitation to a 20th anniversary party marking the end of the Federation of Conservative Students prompted much nostalgic reflection. Of course there will always be some sort of body to coordinate and promote the efforts of University Conservative Associations around the country. It used to be called the Federation of University Conservative and Unionist Associations - until it was decided that FUCUA was an embarrasing acronym. It is now called Conservative Future.

But there was something special about the FCS phase, there was more to it than a change of name. It was an attitude of mind."

Go to the Social Affairs Unit blog to continue reading about the battle for ideas both within the FCS and against other student bodies.

The title is a quote from Aristotle.