No doubt most civilisations stuck where they first were; no doubt we see now why stagnation is the rule of the world, and why progress is the very rare exception; but we do not learn what it is which has caused progress in these few cases, or the absence of what it is which has denied it in all others.
Bagehot observes that while stagnation is common in civilizations, progress is rare and its causes are not well understood.
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And therefore party is inherent in it, is bone of its bone, and breath of its breath.
But the Jewish advantage never did so; beginning in religion, contrary to a thousand analogies, it remained religious.
The moderate people of every party must combine to support the Government which, on the whole, suits every party best.
The United States could not have become monarchical, even if the Constitutional Convention had decreed it, even if the component States had ratified it.
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