On the record
Are they not above all nations divided from the rest of the world, insular both in situation and in mind, both for good and for evil?
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Walter Bagehot
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gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “Are they not above all nations divided from the rest of the world, insular both in situation and in mind, both for good…”
Editor's note · Context
This quote highlights Bagehot's view of England as an insular nation, both geographically and mentally, affecting its global interactions.
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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.
I own that I do not entirely sympathise with the horror of these anomalies which haunts some of our best critics.
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.
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