"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"

This quote by Walter Bagehot talks to the sacrifices that a prominent member of parliament need to make in order to accomplish their position. Ending up being an influential member of parliament needs not only cash and time, but also a sacrifice of the mind. This sacrifice involves quiting the original and most personal attributes of the mind. This suggests that in order to become an influential member of parliament, one need to conform to specific requirements and expectations, and must be willing to give up their own special thoughts and ideas. This quote highlights the value of compromise and conformity in order to attain success in politics. It also functions as a tip that success in politics often requires a lot of sacrifice.