On the record
But, though the origin of polity is dubious, we are upon the terra firma of actual records when we speak of the preservation of polities.
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Walter Bagehot
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gutenberg.orgWalter Bagehot: “But, though the origin of polity is dubious, we are upon the terra firma of actual records when we speak of the…”
Editor's note · Context
He notes that while the origins of political systems are unclear, their preservation is well-documented.
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More from Walter Bagehot
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.
The lessons are good where its primitive assumptions hold, but may be false where those assumptions fail.
Just so the lines of our Constitution were framed in old eras of sparse population, few wants, and simple habits; and we adhere in seeming to their shape, though civilisation has come with its dangers, complications, and enjoyments.
The casual line was traced according to the strength of deceased combatants; succeeding generations fought elsewhere; and the hesitating line of a half-drawn battle was left to stand for a perpetual limit.
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