We must expect what is venerable to acquire influence because of its inherent dignity; but we must not expect it to use that influence so well as new creations apt for the modern world, instinct with its spirit, and fitting closely to its life.
Bagehot discusses the influence of venerable institutions compared to newer, more suitable creations for modern society.
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He had seen that LEISURE is the great need of early societies, and slaves only can give men leisure.
He gave an excellent moral example to his contemporaries, but he is an instance of those whose good dies with them, while their evil lives after them.
And again, in political matters, how quickly a leading statesman can change the tone of the community!
The progress of the military art is the most conspicuous, I was about to say the most SHOWY, fact in human history.
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