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Many conservatives approved because they agreed that luxury was undermining the character of young Romans. It was during his time as censor that Cato displayed a deep dislike of all things foreign. Indeed many of his policies were almost xenophobic. He had a particular dislike of Greeks; this was probably because of their growing influence in the city. During his time as censor, Cato, an efficient man who improved the city's water supply, reformed the taxation system, and reorganized government contracting. The austere Roman is also credited with building the first Basilica, which became a standard feature of many Roman or Romanized cities.
After his term as censor was complete, he continued to serve in the Senate. He became a very famous figure as much for his politics as his lifestyle. Cato, despite his wealth, still lived a frugal and austere lifestyle and continued to work on his farm. Indeed, so severe was his lifestyle that the great man lived like his slaves.<ref> Plutarch, Life of Cato, the Elder, 7</ref>. This made him the titular leader of the conservative or patrician party in Rome.
In the later years of his life, he urged the Senate to renew Rome’s conflict with Carthage, despite an existing peace treaty. Cato the Elder firmly believed that Carthage could go to war with Rome, even after it had been decisively defeated in the Second Punic War. He died before the war he sought with Carthage ended in a complete victory for the Republic.<ref> Miles, Richard. Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization (London, Allen Lane, 2010), p 345</ref> For Cato, life was one continual struggle, and only if Rome was disciplined and austere could it thrive. <ref>Plutarch, 8</ref> This was in line with traditional Roman values and moral standards. His grandson Cato the Younger became the Patricians leader and the avowed enemy of Julius Caesar.
