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We on the other hand cannot imagine those to whom it is a difficulty; 'we know what it is when you do not ask us,' but we cannot very quickly explain or define it.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
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gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “We on the other hand cannot imagine those to whom it is a difficulty; 'we know what it is when you do not ask us,' but…”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot discusses the difficulty of explaining concepts that are taken for granted in modern society, such as the idea of a nation.
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The power of free interchange of ideas being wanting, the ideas themselves were barren.
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