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The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes…

“The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes in its milk, on the principle that it is cheaper to do this than to keep a cow. So it is, but the milk is more likely to be watered.” quote by Samuel Butler
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“The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes in its milk, on the principle that it is cheaper to do this than to keep a cow. So it is, but the milk is more likely to be watered.”

Samuel Butler

About This Quote

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

Society adopts convenient beliefs like cheap food, but the quality may be compromised.

In simple terms: People accept cheap ideas, risking poorer truth.

Key Takeaway

Question the cost of convenience.

Themes

conformity consumerism truth skepticism

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • media consumption
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

social psychology economics critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify the quality of what you accept?
  • What cheap alternatives might hide deeper problems?
A Different Perspective

Convenient beliefs can be misleading.

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