A hasty general is the worst of generals nowadays; the best is a sort of Von Moltke, who is passive if any man ever was passive; who is 'silent in seven languages;' who possesses more and better accumulated information as to the best way of killing people than any one who ever lived.
Bagehot compares modern generals to historical figures, emphasizing the value of restraint in leadership.
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One of the greatest pains to human nature is the pain of a new idea.
I do not think I put this too high when I say that a most important if not the most important object of early legislation was the enforcement of LUCKY rites.
Now it is not conceivable that a race of beings with valuable instincts supporting their existence and supplying their wants would need these simple tools.
They are solely concerned with his attractiveness as a candidate; they need not regard his efficiency as a ruler.
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