The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes in its milk, on the principle that it is cheaper to do this than to keep a cow. So it is, but the milk is more likely to be watered.

Summary

This quote by Samuel Butler explores how the majority of the public forms its opinions. It compares the process to buying meat or milk, suggesting that people prefer to acquire ready-made opinions rather than invest time and effort into critical thinking. The quote implies that this approach may be cost-effective but emphasizes that the purchased opinions are more likely to lack substance and authenticity, akin to watered-down milk. Overall, Butler criticizes the tendency of people to adopt easy beliefs without proper examination or evaluation.

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