Walter Bagehot: “But it is one thing for an institution to be natural, and another for…”

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But it is one thing for an institution to be natural, and another for it to be expedient.

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Walter Bagehot

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Bagehot distinguishes between the natural existence of an institution and its practical expediency.

More from Walter Bagehot

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

The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.

And therefore party is inherent in it, is bone of its bone, and breath of its breath.

They have given what I may call a CONFIDENCE IN THE UNIVERSE.

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Walter Bagehot: “But it is one thing for an institution to be natural, and another for it to be expedient.”