On the record
Respect is traditional; it is given not to what is proved to be good, but to what is known to be old.
Said by
Walter Bagehot
Source
gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “Respect is traditional; it is given not to what is proved to be good, but to what is known to be old.”
Editor's note · Context
Bagehot reflects on the nature of respect, noting that it is often given to tradition rather than merit.
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These anomalies, in a hundred instances, mark the old boundaries of a constitutional struggle.
Subject to this saving remark, however, I not only admit, but maintain, that our Constitution is full of curious oddities, which are impeding and mischievous, and ought to be struck out.
Our law very often reminds one of those outskirts of cities where you cannot for a long time tell how the streets come to wind about in so capricious and serpent-like a manner.
It is natural that those who by special and admirable culture have come to look at all things upon the artistic side, should start back from these queer peculiarities.
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