One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny.

Summary

This quote suggests that while it is important to consider public opinion to meet basic survival needs and avoid legal consequences, willingly conforming beyond this is essentially submitting to an unnecessary form of oppression. It highlights the idea that individuals should exercise their own independent thinking and not blindly adhere to societal expectations or norms that are not crucial to their well-being. It implies that true freedom involves questioning and challenging unnecessary limitations imposed by public opinion.