The whole history of civilization is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards. – Walter Bagehot
A family on the throne is an interesting idea. It brings down the pride of sovereignty to the level of petty life. – Walter Bagehot
Conquest is the missionary of valor, and the hard impact of military virtues beats meanness out of the world. – Walter Bagehot
The best history is but like the art of Rembrandt it casts a vivid light on certain selected causes, on those which were best and greatest it leaves all the rest in shadow and unseen. – Walter Bagehot