Political Quotes

Walter Bagehot: Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.

On the record
Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.
Said by
Walter Bagehot

Editor's note · Context

Bagehot reflects on the nature of power and the wisdom in exercising it judiciously.

Share

More from Walter Bagehot

The work would be done so well that we should not want any one to look over or revise it.

gutenberg.org

The United States could not have become monarchical, even if the Constitutional Convention had decreed it, even if the component States had ratified it.

gutenberg.org

They are solely concerned with his attractiveness as a candidate; they need not regard his efficiency as a ruler.

gutenberg.org

And again, in political matters, how quickly a leading statesman can change the tone of the community!

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation