Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Nor is the people's judgment always true: the most may err as grossly as the few.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The general opinion of the masses can often be just as mistaken as the opinions of a few individuals.
This quote by John Dryden highlights the fallibility of public opinion, suggesting that large groups of people can make significant errors in judgment, similar to the mistakes made by a smaller group. It serves as a reminder that popular belief is not always synonymous with truth, urging individuals to think critically rather than simply conforming to the majority view.
Themes
JudgmentTruthOpinionMajorityFallibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on social media where everyone's opinion is being shared.
More from John Dryden
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And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
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