Walter Bagehot

A family on the throne is an interesting idea. It brings down the pride of sovereignty to the level of petty life.

Walter Bagehot

A man’s mother is his misfortune, but his wife is his fault.

Walter Bagehot

A parliament is nothing less than a big meeting of more or less idle people.

Walter Bagehot

A political country is like an American forest; you have only to cut down the old trees, and immediately new trees come up to replace them.

Walter Bagehot

A princely marriage is the brilliant edition of a universal fact, and, as such, it rivets mankind.

Walter Bagehot

A schoolmaster should have an atmosphere of awe, and walk wonderingly, as if he was amazed at being himself.

Walter Bagehot

A slight daily unconscious luxury is hardly ever wanting to the dwellers in civilization; like the gentle air of a genial climate, it is a perpetual minute enjoyment.

Walter Bagehot

All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality – the story of escape. It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times, how to escape.

Walter Bagehot

An ambassador is not simply an agent; he is also a spectacle.

Walter Bagehot

An element of exaggeration clings to the popular judgment: great vices are made greater, great virtues greater also; interesting incidents are made more interesting, softer legends more soft.

Walter Bagehot