Being the only class at ease for money and cultivated in mind they were without competition; and though they might not be, as a rule, and extraordinary ability excepted, excellent in State business, they were the best that could be had.
Bagehot acknowledges that while the aristocracy may not excel in state business, they were the best available option in their time.
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More from Walter Bagehot
But, above all things, they were frightened of 'the world;' the spectacle of nature filled them with awe and dread.
Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.
They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.
Thirdly, we see why so few nations have made rapid advance, and how many have become stationary.
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