Solitary Individual Quote by Adam Smith
““In a nation distracted by faction, there are, no doubt, always a few, though commonly but a very few, who preserve their judgment untainted by the general contagion. They seldom amount to more than, here and there, a solitary individual, without any influence, excluded, by his own candour, from the confidence of either party, and who, though he may be one of the wisest, is necessarily, upon that very account, one of the most insignificant men in the society.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wealth of Nations, 1776
Only a few individuals retain independent judgment amid widespread partisan bias, making them both wise and socially insignificant.
In simple terms: Few stay unbiased in a divided society.
Key Takeaway
Value independent thought despite marginalization.
Themes
independence
bias
wisdom
insignificance
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic research
- personal decision making
- leadership
- public policy
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can society amplify the voices of independent thinkers?
- What risks arise when dissenting opinions are marginalized?
A Different Perspective
Such individuals may be ignored, limiting their impact.
