And the end always is that a middle course is devised which LOOKS as much as possible like what was suggested in opposition, but which IS as much as possible what patent facts--facts which seem to live in the office, so teasing and unceasing are they--prove ought to be done.
Bagehot discusses the compromises made in government decisions to balance opposition suggestions with practical realities.
Share
More from Walter Bagehot
In early society, originality in life was forbidden and repressed by the fixed rule of life.
Nothing promotes intellect like intellectual discussion, and nothing promotes intellectual discussion so much as government by discussion.
Those who doubt should go out into their kitchens.
The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
Other voices in this conversation
