Walter Bagehot: “So much does this stiff dignity give the tone, that the few Englishmen…”

On the record

So much does this stiff dignity give the tone, that the few Englishmen capable of social brilliancy mostly secrete it.

Said by

Walter Bagehot

Source

Bagehot notes that the rigid dignity of society stifles social brilliance.

More from Walter Bagehot

The work would be done so well that we should not want any one to look over or revise it.

In early society, originality in life was forbidden and repressed by the fixed rule of life.

Thirdly, we see why so few nations have made rapid advance, and how many have become stationary.

Those who doubt should go out into their kitchens.

Other voices in this conversation

Walter Bagehot: “So much does this stiff dignity give the tone, that the few Englishmen capable of social brilliancy mostly secrete it.”