As a man's family go on muttering in his maturity incorrect phrases derived from a just observation of his early youth, so, in the full activity of an historical constitution, its subjects repeat phrases true in the time of their fathers, and inculcated by those fathers, but now true no longer.
Bagehot compares the outdated phrases used by citizens to the historical context of the British Constitution, illustrating the disconnect over generations.
Share
More from Walter Bagehot
Thirdly, we see why so few nations have made rapid advance, and how many have become stationary.
The nation then selected the English policy, but the Crown chose the English Ministers.
But, above all things, they were frightened of 'the world;' the spectacle of nature filled them with awe and dread.
They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.
Other voices in this conversation
