Walter Bagehot: “Even granting that it were so, it is a great gain to society to have…”

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Even granting that it were so, it is a great gain to society to have two idols: in the competition of idolatries the true worship gets a chance.

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Walter Bagehot

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Bagehot posits that having multiple societal idols allows for a competition that can lead to a more genuine appreciation of true value.

More from Walter Bagehot

Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.

Carlyle has taught the present generation many lessons, and one of these is that 'God-fearing' armies are the best armies.

And therefore party is inherent in it, is bone of its bone, and breath of its breath.

The work would be done so well that we should not want any one to look over or revise it.

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Walter Bagehot: “Even granting that it were so, it is a great gain to society to have two idols: in the competition of idolatries the…”