Such an opinion could not be moderate; could not be subject to effectual discussion; could not be in close contact with pressing facts; could not be framed under a chastening sense of near responsibility; could not be formed as those form their opinions who have to act upon them.
Bagehot critiques the nature of opinions formed in political contexts, highlighting their lack of moderation and responsibility.
Share
More from Walter Bagehot
He had seen that LEISURE is the great need of early societies, and slaves only can give men leisure.
And therefore party is inherent in it, is bone of its bone, and breath of its breath.
The nation then selected the English policy, but the Crown chose the English Ministers.
Thirdly, we see why so few nations have made rapid advance, and how many have become stationary.
Other voices in this conversation
