Walter Bagehot: “The ages of monotony had their use, for they trained men for ages when…”

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The ages of monotony had their use, for they trained men for ages when they need not be monotonous.

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Walter Bagehot

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Bagehot argues that monotonous periods in history have prepared people for more dynamic times.

More from Walter Bagehot

But all men heed great results, and a change of Government is a great result.

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

They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.

Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.

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Walter Bagehot: “The ages of monotony had their use, for they trained men for ages when they need not be monotonous.”