Public Opinion... an attempt to organize the ignorance of the community, and to elevate it to the dignity of physical force.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, critiques the nature and power of public opinion. It suggests that public opinion is based on ignorance - lacking in accurate knowledge or insight - and yet possesses the capability to hold significant influence over society. By describing it as an attempt to elevate ignorance to the level of physical force, the quote implies that public opinion can prevail and shape outcomes even when it lacks substantial intellectual foundation. This highlights the potential danger of relying solely on public opinion as a guiding force in decision-making processes.

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