Walter Bagehot

Business is really more agreeable than pleasure; it interests the whole mind, the aggregate nature of man more continuously, and more deeply. But it does not look as if it did.

Walter Bagehot

Capital must be propelled by self-interest; it cannot be enticed by benevolence.

Walter Bagehot

Conquest is the missionary of valor, and the hard impact of military virtues beats meanness out of the world.

Walter Bagehot

Dullness in matters of government is a good sign, and not a bad one – in particular, dullness in parliamentary government is a test of its excellence, an indication of its success.

Walter Bagehot

Every banker knows that if he has to prove he is worthy of credit, in fact his credit is gone.

Walter Bagehot

Great and terrible systems of divinity and philosophy lie round about us, which, if true, might drive a wise man mad.

Walter Bagehot

Honor sinks where commerce long prevails.

Walter Bagehot

In my youth I hoped to do great things; now I shall be satisfied to get through without scandal.

Walter Bagehot

Life is not a set campaign, but an irregular work, and the main forces in it are not overt resolutions, but latent and half-involuntary promptings.

Walter Bagehot

Men who do not make advances to women are apt to become victims to women who make advances to them.

Walter Bagehot