Walter Bagehot: “Those merits of the Lords have faults close beside them which go far…”

On the record

Those merits of the Lords have faults close beside them which go far to make them useless.

Said by

Walter Bagehot

Source

Bagehot acknowledges that while the Lords have merits, they also possess significant faults that diminish their effectiveness.

More from Walter Bagehot

But, above all things, they were frightened of 'the world;' the spectacle of nature filled them with awe and dread.

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

They are above corruption because they are the corruptors.

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

Other voices in this conversation

Walter Bagehot: “Those merits of the Lords have faults close beside them which go far to make them useless.”