On the record
But you will not be listened to if you say that there were one Adam and Eve for Sparta, and another Adam and Eve for Athens.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
Source
gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “But you will not be listened to if you say that there were one Adam and Eve for Sparta, and another Adam and Eve for…”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot critiques the idea of separate origins for different Greek city-states, emphasizing a shared ancestry.
Share
More from Walter Bagehot
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.
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.
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.
Other voices in this conversation
