There is in it a secret power which is always eager, which is generally obstinate, which is often wrong, which rules Ministers more than they know themselves, which overpowers them much more than the public believe, which is irresponsible because it is inscrutable, which cannot be prevented because it cannot be seen.
Bagehot describes the hidden and often uncontrollable influences that shape political leadership and decision-making.
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The progress of the military art is the most conspicuous, I was about to say the most SHOWY, fact in human history.
They say, We reject your Bill for this once or these twice, or even these thrice: but if you keep on sending it up, at last we won't reject it.
The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
There is no ELASTIC element, everything is rigid, specified, dated.
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