https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2021/06/john-stuart-mill-on-the-english.html
This is no an epigram, or a paradox, but a sober description of the tone of sentiment commonly found in Englishman. They never feel themselves safe unless they are living under the shadow of some convention fiction — some agreement to say one thing and mean another.
The full quote is in the link. It’s not long and worth a look.