Political Quotes

Walter Bagehot: A great change of this sort happily cannot be sudden; a free people cannot be confused by new institutions which they do…

On the record
A great change of this sort happily cannot be sudden; a free people cannot be confused by new institutions which they do not understand, for they will not adopt them till they understand them.
Said by
Walter Bagehot

Editor's note · Context

Bagehot emphasizes the importance of gradual change in political institutions for public understanding and acceptance.

Share

More from Walter Bagehot

If the above reasoning be sound, compulsory constituencies are necessary, voluntary constituencies destructive; the optional transferability of votes is not a salutary aid, but a ruinous innovation.

gutenberg.org

The moderate people of every party must combine to support the Government which, on the whole, suits every party best.

gutenberg.org

The nation then selected the English policy, but the Crown chose the English Ministers.

gutenberg.org

But all men heed great results, and a change of Government is a great result.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation