Walter Bagehot: “One sort might easily fall into a temporary and erroneous fanaticism…”

On the record

One sort might easily fall into a temporary and erroneous fanaticism, but all sorts simultaneously are very unlikely to do so.

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Walter Bagehot

Source

Bagehot suggests that while individuals may be swayed by temporary fanaticism, it is unlikely for all groups to be misled simultaneously.

More from Walter Bagehot

Carlyle has taught the present generation many lessons, and one of these is that 'God-fearing' armies are the best armies.

But, above all things, they were frightened of 'the world;' the spectacle of nature filled them with awe and dread.

The power of free interchange of ideas being wanting, the ideas themselves were barren.

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

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Walter Bagehot: “One sort might easily fall into a temporary and erroneous fanaticism, but all sorts simultaneously are very unlikely to…”