Action Quote by Edward Bernays
“The invisible government tends to be concentrated in the hands of the few because of the expense of manipulating the social machinery which controls the opinions and habits of the masses. To advertise on a scale which will reach fifty million persons is expensive. To reach and persuade the group leaders who dictate the public's thoughts and actions is likewise expensive.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Propaganda, 1928
Powerful elites control public opinion through costly media influence, concentrating authority among a few.
In simple terms: The rich shape public thought.
Key Takeaway
Question media influence and power structures.
Themes
media
politics
power
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- advertising
- political campaigning
- public policy
- activism
Key Concepts
propaganda
social engineering
elite theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from media concentration?
- How can grassroots movements counteract?
A Different Perspective
High costs limit diverse voices, reinforcing inequality.
