I say 'at first,' because I apprehend that in this case, as in so many others in the puzzling history of progress, the very institutions which most aid at step number one are precisely those which most impede at step number two.
Bagehot discusses the paradox of institutions that facilitate initial progress but hinder further development.
Share
More from Walter Bagehot
The whole history of civilisation, is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
But all men heed great results, and a change of Government is a great result.
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.
And therefore party is inherent in it, is bone of its bone, and breath of its breath.
Other voices in this conversation
