On the record
And nothing therefore can be more important than to compare the two, and to decide upon the testimony of experience, and by facts, which of them is the better.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
Source
gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “And nothing therefore can be more important than to compare the two, and to decide upon the testimony of experience, and…”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot stresses the importance of comparing different governmental systems based on real-world experiences and facts.
Share
More from Walter Bagehot
The lessons are good where its primitive assumptions hold, but may be false where those assumptions fail.
Political philosophy is still more imperfect; it has been framed from observations taken upon regular specimens of politics and States; as to these its teaching is most valuable.
Just so the lines of our Constitution were framed in old eras of sparse population, few wants, and simple habits; and we adhere in seeming to their shape, though civilisation has come with its dangers, complications, and enjoyments.
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.
Other voices in this conversation
