On the record
Such sectarian conceptions are not those by which a determining nation should regulate its action, nor are orators, mainly animated by such conceptions, safe guides in policy.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
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gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “Such sectarian conceptions are not those by which a determining nation should regulate its action, nor are orators…”
Editor's note · Context
He warns against allowing narrow sectarian views to dominate national policy, suggesting a broader perspective is necessary.
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More from Walter Bagehot
Political philosophy is still more imperfect; it has been framed from observations taken upon regular specimens of politics and States; as to these its teaching is most valuable.
Subject to this saving remark, however, I not only admit, but maintain, that our Constitution is full of curious oddities, which are impeding and mischievous, and ought to be struck out.
It is natural that those who by special and admirable culture have come to look at all things upon the artistic side, should start back from these queer peculiarities.
But it is natural also that persons used to analyse political institutions should look at these anomalies with a little tenderness and a little interest.
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