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The world is governed by opinion.
Thomas Hobbes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Opinion shapes societal norms and governance.

This quote by Thomas Hobbes suggests that the foundation of governance in the world is not solely based on laws or structures, but rather on the collective opinions and beliefs of individuals. In essence, it highlights the significant influence that public perception and consensus have on the functioning and decisions of societies and governments.

Themes

OpinionGovernanceSocietyBeliefsInfluence

In practice

Example use cases

In a civil debate about social issues, this quote could emphasize the importance of public opinion.

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Baptism is the sacrament of allegiance of them that are to be received into the Kingdom of God, that is to say, into Eternal life, that is to say, to Remission of Sin. For as Eternal life was lost by the committing, so it is recovered by the remitting of men's sins.
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The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
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