The modern susceptibility to conformity and obedience to…
“The modern susceptibility to conformity and obedience to authority indicates that the truth endorsed by authority is likely to be accepted as such by a majority of people, who are innately obedient to authority. This obedience-truth will then become a consensus-truth accepted by many individuals unable to stand alone against the majority. In this way, the truth promulgated by the propaganda system - however irrational - stands a good chance of becoming the consensus, and may come to seem self-evident common sense.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People tend to accept authority-endorsed truths, forming consensus that may be irrational.
In simple terms: Authority shapes belief; consensus can be false.
Question authority and seek evidence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- media literacy
- leadership
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would you demand before accepting a claim?
- How does dissent protect truth?
Consensus can be valuable when based on sound evidence.