Walter Bagehot: “There is only a certain QUANTUM of power in each of our race; if it…”

On the record

There is only a certain QUANTUM of power in each of our race; if it goes in one way it is spent, and cannot go in another.

Said by

Walter Bagehot

Source

This quote reflects Bagehot's belief in the finite nature of human power and its allocation in various pursuits.

More from Walter Bagehot

They are solely concerned with his attractiveness as a candidate; they need not regard his efficiency as a ruler.

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

The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.

There is no ELASTIC element, everything is rigid, specified, dated.

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Walter Bagehot: “There is only a certain QUANTUM of power in each of our race; if it goes in one way it is spent, and cannot go in…”