Hardly a man in the world has an opinion upon morals…
“Hardly a man in the world has an opinion upon morals, politics or religion which he got otherwise than through his associations and sympathies. Broadly speaking, there are none but corn-pone opinions. And broadly speaking, Corn-Pone stands for Self-Approval. Self-approval is acquired mainly from the approval of other people. The result is Conformity.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Opinions are shaped by personal ties and desire for approval, leading to conformity.
In simple terms: People adopt views from friends and seek acceptance.
Key Takeaway
Question your own motivations behind beliefs.
Themes
psychology
social influence
conformity
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- personal relationships
- media consumption
Key Concepts
self‑approval
social networks
Questions to Reflect On
- What opinions might you hold without peer influence?
- How do you balance authenticity with belonging?
A Different Perspective
Self‑approval can also foster authentic solidarity.