Political Quotes

Walter Bagehot: It is often said that men are ruled by their imaginations; but it would be truer to say they are governed by the…

On the record
It is often said that men are ruled by their imaginations; but it would be truer to say they are governed by the weakness of their imaginations.
Said by
Walter Bagehot

Editor's note · Context

Bagehot reflects on the role of imagination in governance, suggesting that people's limitations in imagination shape their governance.

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