One of the little-celebrated powers of Presidents (and other high government officials) is to listen to their critics with just enough sympathy to ensure their silence.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
There is something wonderful in seeing a wrong-headed majority assailed by truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the power of truth in challenging misguided beliefs held by the majority.
John Kenneth Galbraith's quote emphasizes the significance of truth and its ability to confront and challenge the majority when they are misguided or wrong. It suggests that there is a certain beauty or wonder in witnessing truth bravely confront the dominant narrative, providing hope and a pathway to enlightenment for society.
Themes
TruthMajorityWisdomChallengeSociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about social justice to emphasize the role of truth in challenging societal norms.
More from John Kenneth Galbraith
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The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.
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People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.
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