As for life within a Legislature,- who can tell how warped and bent and twisted, and accommodated to the exigencies of party struggle become the faculties of belief? Strong and courageous natures know it, and remain strong and courageous in spite of knowledge and practice; but the pliancy of man is beyond admiration, and is nowhere better seen than under the schooling of Parliament.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote observes that legislative work warps belief systems, yet strong individuals can resist the pliancy imposed by parliamentary schooling.
- In plain terms
- Parliament can distort beliefs, but strong people can stay resilient.
- What can you take from it?
- Cultivate personal strength to avoid being shaped by party politics.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What builds resilience against political conformity?
- Can institutions foster both strength and flexibility?
Another view
It assumes a binary between pliancy and strength, ignoring nuanced positions.
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