A nice simple article from Mike Adams where he explains the differences:
The terms “liberal” and “conservative” are bandied about by many who fail to understand the crucial difference between them… If there is one thing that separates the conservative from the liberal it is his view of human nature…
The conservative sees man as born in a broken state. This tragic view of human nature sees man as selfish and hedonistic by design. This tragic view of human nature also explains why conservatives often speak of religion and family values. Given his selfish nature, man must internalize some reason to behave in pro-social way…
But the liberal sees things differently. Everyone is born “good” with a blank slate. To the extent that people become “bad” it is because “society” corrupted them… And it is why he sees the criminal justice system as one which should focus on rehabilitation. If people were taught to be bad then, surely, they may be taught to be good again.
The conservative Ronald Reagan understood what the liberal Barack Obama does not: When it comes to foreign policy, it is better to be feared than to be loved.
Barack Obama’s incorrect assessment of human nature renders unnecessary any wishes that he will fail in his plans to move America towards a socialist economy. Regardless of whether we want him to fail or just want his policies to fail both will. Human nature demands it.