Walter Bagehot: “It was made, but it can unmake; it was derivative in its origin, but it is destructive in its action.”

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

I do not think I put this too high when I say that a most important if not the most important object of early legislation was the enforcement of LUCKY rites.

The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.

And again, in political matters, how quickly a leading statesman can change the tone of the community!