Walter Bagehot: “But of all nations in the world the English are perhaps the least a…”

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But of all nations in the world the English are perhaps the least a nation of pure philosophers.

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Walter Bagehot

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Bagehot notes that the English people are not purely philosophical in their approach to life and governance.

More from Walter Bagehot

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

The nation then selected the English policy, but the Crown chose the English Ministers.

But as soon as the House met, Lord Thurlow became the greatest.

The power of free interchange of ideas being wanting, the ideas themselves were barren.

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Walter Bagehot: “But of all nations in the world the English are perhaps the least a nation of pure philosophers.”