The characteristic of the Middle Ages may be approximately--though only approximately--described as a return to the period of authoritative usage and as an abandonment of the classical habit of independent and self-choosing thought.
Bagehot characterizes the Middle Ages as a period that reverted to authoritative usage, contrasting it with classical thought.
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More from Walter Bagehot
All savage religions are full of superstitions founded on luck.
They are solely concerned with his attractiveness as a candidate; they need not regard his efficiency as a ruler.
But all men heed great results, and a change of Government is a great result.
But the Jewish advantage never did so; beginning in religion, contrary to a thousand analogies, it remained religious.
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