Walter Bagehot: “Military morals can direct the axe to cut down the tree, but it knows…”

On the record

Military morals can direct the axe to cut down the tree, but it knows nothing of the quiet force by which the forest grows.

Said by

Walter Bagehot

Source

Bagehot contrasts military morals with the quiet, natural growth of a forest, emphasizing different forms of strength.

More from Walter Bagehot

But the Jewish advantage never did so; beginning in religion, contrary to a thousand analogies, it remained religious.

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

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

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: “Military morals can direct the axe to cut down the tree, but it knows nothing of the quiet force by which the forest…”