The most valuable result of many years is a nicely balanced mind instinctively heedful of various errors; but such a mind is the incommunicable gift of individual experience, and an outgoing Minister can no more leave it to his successor, than an elder brother can pass it on to a younger.
Bagehot emphasizes the importance of individual experience in developing a balanced and insightful mind.
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More from Walter Bagehot
And again, in political matters, how quickly a leading statesman can change the tone of the community!
Carlyle has taught the present generation many lessons, and one of these is that 'God-fearing' armies are the best armies.
They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.
The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
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