Perturbation Quotes
More Perturbation Quotes
In excited states of the public mind they have scarcely a discretion at all; the tendency of the public perturbation determines what shall and what shall not be dealt with. But, upon the other hand, in quiet times statesmen have great power; when there is no fire lighted, they can settle what fire shall be lit. And as the new suffrage is happily to be tried in a quiet time, the responsibility of our statesmen is great because their power is great too.
walter bagehot— Walter Bagehot, The English Constitution (1867), Introduction, p.xxi.
O polished perturbation! golden care! That keep'st the ports of slumber open wide To many a watchful night!
william shakespeare— William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part II (c. 1597-99), Act IV, scene 5, line 23.
