Kelvil: May I ask, Lord Illingworth, if you regard the House of Lords as a better institution than the House of Commons? Lord Illingworth: A much better institution of course. We in the House of Lords are never in touch with public opinion. That makes us a civilised body.

Summary

In this quote, Kelvil questions Lord Illingworth about his preference between the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Lord Illingworth responds by stating that the House of Lords is a superior institution because its members are not connected to public opinion. He believes that this detachment allows the House of Lords to maintain a sense of civility compared to the House of Commons, which is more closely tied to public sentiment. It implies a belief in the notion that prioritizing refinement and detachment from popular opinion leads to a more sophisticated and effective governing body.

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