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An influential member of parliament has not only to pay…

“An influential member of parliament has not only to pay much money to become such, and to give time and labour, he has also to sacrifice his mind too - at least all the characteristics part of it that which is original and most his own.” quote by Walter Bagehot
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“An influential member of parliament has not only to pay much money to become such, and to give time and labour, he has also to sacrifice his mind too - at least all the characteristics part of it that which is original and most his own.”

Walter Bagehot

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Parliamentarians must sacrifice personal originality, investing money, time, and mental effort to serve.

In simple terms: Serving in parliament costs money, time, and personal originality.

Key Takeaway

Accept the personal cost of public service.

Themes

politics service personal sacrifice

Mood

reflective serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • running for office
  • legislative work
  • policy making
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

public duty identity loss institutional demands

Questions to Reflect On

  • How much of your true self are you willing to sacrifice for a role?
  • Is it possible to retain originality within a political system?
A Different Perspective

Personal originality may be compromised by institutional conformity.

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