Political Quotes

Walter Bagehot: Most clever men who are in such a good place as the House of Lords plainly is, will be very unwilling to lose it if they…

On the record
Most clever men who are in such a good place as the House of Lords plainly is, will be very unwilling to lose it if they can help it; at the clear call of a great duty they might lose it, but only at such a call.
Said by
Walter Bagehot

Editor's note · Context

Bagehot observes that most capable individuals in the House of Lords would prefer to retain their position unless compelled by duty.

Share

More from Walter Bagehot

All savage religions are full of superstitions founded on luck.

gutenberg.org

He gave an excellent moral example to his contemporaries, but he is an instance of those whose good dies with them, while their evil lives after them.

gutenberg.org

The moderate people of every party must combine to support the Government which, on the whole, suits every party best.

gutenberg.org

He could have found the truth as a statesman just as he found it when a judge; but he never did find it.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation