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 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.]

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.

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.

Report uttered by the people is everywhere of great power.

Report uttered by the people is everywhere of great power.

The man in the street does not know a star in the sky.

The man in the street does not know a star in the sky.

. . . for thou art a stiff-necked people. . .

. . . for thou art a stiff-necked people. . .

The public! the public! how many fools does it require to make
the public?
[Fr., Le public! le read more

The public! the public! how many fools does it require to make
the public?
[Fr., Le public! le public! combien faut-il de sots pour faire
un public?]

I wish the crowd to feel itself well treated,
Especially since it lives and lets me live.
read more

I wish the crowd to feel itself well treated,
Especially since it lives and lets me live.
[Ger., Ich wunschte sehr, der Menge zu behagen,
Besonders weil sie lebt und leben lasst.]