Physics and politics or thoughts on the application of the principles of natural selection and inheritance to political society examines the connection between scientific evolution and the development of human political systems. Walter Bagehot presents a thoughtful inquiry into how the mechanisms of natural selection and hereditary influence shape not only biological life but also the growth and adaptability of societies. The book begins with reflections on how the study of science and physical knowledge has transformed human understanding of collective organization and governance. Bagehot argues that political institutions evolve much like living organisms, adapting through struggle, imitation, and inherited tendencies. He explores how societies maintain order, transmit customs, and achieve progress through inherited habits of discipline and cooperation. By merging Darwinian concepts with historical and sociological observations, Bagehot proposes that civilization advances when innovation is balanced with inherited wisdom. His analysis bridges the natural and social sciences, creating a framework that interprets history, leadership, and national character as part of a continuous evolutionary process of adaptation and survival.
Walter Bagehot was an English writer, journalist, and economist whose work profoundly influenced political and financial thought in the 19th century. Born on February 3, 1826, in Langport, he was the son of Thomas Watson Bagehot, a prominent banker, and Edith Stuckey Bagehot, from a family active in commerce. Educated at University College London, he initially studied mathematics and philosophy before turning to journalism and economics. Bagehot co-founded the National Review in 1855, through which he explored the political and intellectual issues of Victorian society. His writing combined analytical precision with a clear understanding of human nature, making complex subjects such as government and finance accessible to a broad audience. As the editor of The Economist, he established himself as one of Britain’s leading commentators on politics and economics. His major works, including The English Constitution and Lombard Street, remain seminal texts for their insightful treatment of governance and financial systems. Bagehot’s thought bridged academic inquiry and practical application, leaving an enduring legacy in political economy and journalism.
![Truth [Verite] Book I](http://www.double9books.com/cdn/shop/files/9789368098935_300179e1-8196-45a7-a5e3-156d28267b73.jpg?v=1742824179&width=200)
