Quote by Bertrand Russell, The Conquest o
One should respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to avoid starvation and to 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 respect public opinion in order to meet basic survival needs (such as avoiding starvation and imprisonment), going beyond compliance with societal expectations is an unnecessary act of voluntary subservience to a form of tyranny. It implies that individuals should be cautious about sacrificing their freedom and individuality merely to please others, highlighting the importance of balancing societal expectations with personal autonomy.