It is true he will lose the quiet and secret influence which in the course of years industry would gain for him; but an eager young man, on whom the world is squandering its luxuries and its temptations, will not be much attracted by the distant prospect of a moderate influence over dull matters.
Bagehot discusses the allure of immediate pleasures over the long-term benefits of diligent governance.
Share
More from Walter Bagehot
But all men heed great results, and a change of Government is a great result.
They are solely concerned with his attractiveness as a candidate; they need not regard his efficiency as a ruler.
All savage religions are full of superstitions founded on luck.
But, above all things, they were frightened of 'the world;' the spectacle of nature filled them with awe and dread.
Other voices in this conversation
