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If forty million people say a foolish thing it does not…

“If forty million people say a foolish thing it does not become a wise one.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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“If forty million people say a foolish thing it does not become a wise one.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

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

Popular opinion does not automatically confer truth or wisdom.

In simple terms: Many voices ≠ truth

Key Takeaway

Question consensus before accepting ideas

Themes

critical thinking wisdom social influence

Mood

skeptical thoughtful

Type

philosophical cautionary

When to use this quote

  • public debates
  • media consumption
  • policy making

Key Concepts

herd mentality epistemology authority bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • When do you trust majority opinion?
  • How can you verify a claim’s validity?
A Different Perspective

Popular belief can be based on misinformation

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