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The individual is foolish; the multitude, for the moment is
foolish, when they act without deliberation; but the species read more
The individual is foolish; the multitude, for the moment is
foolish, when they act without deliberation; but the species is
wise, and, when time is given to it, as a species it always acts
right.
The voice of the people has about it something divine: for how
otherwise can so many heads agree together read more
The voice of the people has about it something divine: for how
otherwise can so many heads agree together as one?
[Lat., Vox populi habet aliquid divinum: nam quomo do aliter tot
capita in unum conspirare possint?]
This many-headed monster, Multitude.
This many-headed monster, Multitude.
The proverbial wisdom of the populace in the streets, on the
roads, and in the markets, instructs the ear read more
The proverbial wisdom of the populace in the streets, on the
roads, and in the markets, instructs the ear of him who studies
man more fully than a thousand rules ostentatiously arranged.
The rabble estimate few things according to their real value,
most things according to their prejudices.
[Lat., Vulgus read more
The rabble estimate few things according to their real value,
most things according to their prejudices.
[Lat., Vulgus ex veritate pauca, ex opinione multa aestimat.]
It is a good part of sagacity to have known the foolish desires
of the crowd and their unreasonable read more
It is a good part of sagacity to have known the foolish desires
of the crowd and their unreasonable notions.
[Lat., Bona prudentiae pars est nosse stultas vulgi cupiditates,
et absurdas opiniones.]
Report uttered by the people is everywhere of great power.
Report uttered by the people is everywhere of great power.
For who can be secure of private right,
If sovereign sway may be dissolved by might?
Nor read more
For who can be secure of private right,
If sovereign sway may be dissolved by might?
Nor is the people's judgment always true:
The most may err as grossly as the few.
