Progress would not have been the rarity it is if the early food had not been the late poison. – Walter Bagehot
It is often said that men are ruled by their imaginations; but it would be truer to say they are governed by the weakness of their imaginations. – Walter Bagehot
A constitutional statesman is in general a man of common opinions and uncommon abilities. – Walter Bagehot
The best reason why Monarchy is a strong government is, that it is an intelligible government. The mass of mankind understand it, and they hardly anywhere in the world understand any other. – Walter Bagehot