Walter Bagehot: “It is for our principal statesmen to lead the public, and not to let…”

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It is for our principal statesmen to lead the public, and not to let the public lead them.

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Walter Bagehot

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This quote advocates for statesmen to take the initiative in guiding public opinion rather than following it.

More from Walter Bagehot

The Parliament, the laws, the press were human institutions; but the Monarchy was a Divine institution.

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.

One of the greatest pains to human nature is the pain of a new idea.

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Walter Bagehot: “It is for our principal statesmen to lead the public, and not to let the public lead them.”