The office of an order of nobility is to impose on the common people--not necessarily to impose on them what is untrue, yet less what is hurtful; but still to impose on their quiescent imaginations what would not otherwise be there.
Bagehot discusses the role of nobility in shaping public perception and imagination, emphasizing their influence on society.
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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.
They are solely concerned with his attractiveness as a candidate; they need not regard his efficiency as a ruler.
Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.
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.
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