The majority is never right. Never, I tell you! That's one of these lies in society that no free and intelligent man can help rebelling against. Who are the people that make up the biggest proportion of the population -- the intelligent ones or the fools? I think we can agree it's the fools, no matter where you go in this world, it's the fools that form the overwhelming majority.

Summary

This quote, by anarchist writer and philosopher Henrik Ibsen, challenges the notion that the majority is always right. Ibsen suggests that in society, fools outnumber the intelligent individuals, making up the majority. He asserts that this is a falsehood pushed by society, and true free-thinking individuals should resist accepting it. Ibsen's quote highlights the importance of critical thinking, questioning societal norms, and not blindly following the majority, enabling individuals to form their own opinions and make independent decisions.

Topics