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Often the mass emotions are those which seem the noblest…

“Often the mass emotions are those which seem the noblest, best and most beautiful. And yet, inside a year, five years, a decade, five decades, people will be asking, "How could you have believed that?" because events will have taken place that will have banished the said mass emotions to the…” quote by Doris Lessing
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“Often the mass emotions are those which seem the noblest, best and most beautiful. And yet, inside a year, five years, a decade, five decades, people will be asking, "How could you have believed that?" because events will have taken place that will have banished the said mass emotions to the dustbin of history.”

Doris Lessing

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Collective feelings often appear noble but later are judged as misguided as history unfolds.

In simple terms: Mass emotions can seem noble then be discredited.

Key Takeaway

Question popular sentiment over time.

Themes

history collective sentiment illusion change

Mood

reflective critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political movements
  • social media trends
  • cultural shifts
  • public opinion
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

Sociology psychology historical revisionism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you evaluate the longevity of a popular belief?
  • What factors cause collective sentiment to shift?
A Different Perspective

Mass emotions may be manipulated or misinterpreted.

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