A precedent embalms a principle." - Meaning and context.">
Speech in the House of Commons (22 February 1848)

I entirely differ with the Government as to the value of precedents. In this case, as in others, precedents are not mere dusty phrases, which do not substantially affect the question before us. A precedent embalms a principle.

— Benjamin Disraeli

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "I entirely differ with the Government as to the value of precedents. In this case, as in others, precedents are not mere dusty phrases, which do not substantially affect the question before us. A precedent embalms a principle." in the context of "Speech in the House of Commons (22 February 1848)" to mean that wisdom is timeless.

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Source: Wikiquote: "Benjamin Disraeli" (Quotes, 1840s) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Benjamin Disraeli

About Benjamin Disraeli

Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (21 December 1804 – 19 April 1881) was a British politician, novelist, and essayist, serving twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The anniversary of his death on 19 April is known as Primrose Day.