--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We are dominated by the relatively small…" description: "\"We are dominated by the relatively small number of persons who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62f/edward-bernays-14230_manipulation_we-are-dominated-by-the-relatively-small_2871683.png" --- # We are dominated by the relatively small number of persons… ![“We are dominated by the relatively small number of persons who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.” quote by Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62f/edward-bernays-14230_manipulation_we-are-dominated-by-the-relatively-small_2871683.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62f/edward-bernays-14230_manipulation_we-are-dominated-by-the-relatively-small_2871683.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/62f/edward-bernays-14230_manipulation_we-are-dominated-by-the-relatively-small_2871683.png) > “We are dominated by the relatively small number of persons who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.” [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A small elite who understand mass psychology manipulate public opinion, controlling society through hidden influence. **In simple terms:** A few experts control the masses via psychology. Key Takeaway Be aware of hidden influences. Themes media psychology control elite Mood skeptical critical Type political media When to use this quote - advertising - political campaigns - public relations - consumer behavior Key Concepts propaganda social engineering Questions to Reflect On - Who holds power over the manipulators? - How can individuals resist subtle control? A Different Perspective The elite may also be subject to counter‑influences. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Manipulation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manipulation/) [Mass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mass/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Mind control](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind-control/) [Patterns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patterns/) [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Propaganda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/propaganda/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Small numbers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-numbers/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) ## Related quotes > [“processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires that control the public mind, who harness old social forces…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-dice/processes-and-social-patterns-of-the-masses-it-is-they-who-pull-the/) [Mark Dice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-dice/) > [If we understand the mechanisms and motives of the group mind, it is now possible to control and regiment the masses according to our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/if-we-understand-the-mechanisms-and-motives-of-the-group-mind-it-is/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [When I meet with any persons who write obscurely or converse confusedly, I am apt to suspect two things; first, that such persons do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-caleb-colton/when-i-meet-with-any-persons-who-write-obscurely-or-converse/) [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) > [“The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-conscious-and-intelligent-manipulation-of-the-organized-habits-2/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [I didn't understand that there was some mental component of how you view yourself in terms of gender that's deeply embedded in your brain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norah-vincent/i-didn-t-understand-that-there-was-some-mental-component-of-how-you/) [Norah Vincent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norah-vincent/) > [“Movements don’t emerge because everyone suddenly decides to face the same direction at once. They rely on social patterns that begin as the habits…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-duhigg/movements-don-t-emerge-because-everyone-suddenly-decides-to-face-the/) [Charles Duhigg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-duhigg/) > [Too often cooperative learning lessons become where dysfunctional social patterns are reinforced: Vying for power, domination, giving in...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/too-often-cooperative-learning-lessons-become-where-dysfunctional/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The synchronicity found in nature extends to the rhythm and patterns in our relationships; it explains how random events can come together to achieve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-c-young/the-synchronicity-found-in-nature-extends-to-the-rhythm-and-patterns/) [Susan C. Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-c-young/) > [Most people don't understand the mental preparation that's also involved in wrestling.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-schultz/most-people-don-t-understand-the-mental-preparation-that-s-also/) [Dave Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-schultz/) > [“None of you seem to understand ... this is a mental institution ... you came to life only because there is some thing wrong with you”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zied-saadi/none-of-you-seem-to-understand-this-is-a-mental-institution-you-came/) Zied Saadi > [Try to understand that mental health is something very personal and private.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shibani-dandekar/try-to-understand-that-mental-health-is-something-very-personal-and/) [Shibani Dandekar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shibani-dandekar/) > [I know that if I could really understand mental illness, then it would be appropriate to make a big career shift. I would become…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-know-that-if-i-could-really-understand-mental-illness-then-it-would/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Only social patterns can control biological patterns, and the instrument of conversation between society and biology is not words. The instrument of conversation between…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-m-pirsig/only-social-patterns-can-control-biological-patterns-and-the/) [Robert M. Pirsig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-pirsig/) > [The left has total control over the public education system, all the way up to the university level. It's something they own, and it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/the-left-has-total-control-over-the-public-education-system-all-the/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [Control the public's perception of you and nobody will care if you have any talent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rashida-jones/control-the-public-s-perception-of-you-and-nobody-will-care-if-you/) [Rashida Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rashida-jones/) ## More by Edward Bernays > [The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-conscious-and-intelligent-manipulation-of-the-organized-habits/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [The American motion picture is the greatest unconscious carrier of propaganda in the world today. It is a great distributor for ideas and opinions.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-american-motion-picture-is-the-greatest-unconscious-carrier-of/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [Any person or organization depends ultimately on public approval, and is therefore faced with the problem of engineering the public's consent to a program…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/any-person-or-organization-depends-ultimately-on-public-approval-and/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [If we understand the mechanisms and motives of the group mind, it is now possible to control and regiment the masses according to our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/if-we-understand-the-mechanisms-and-motives-of-the-group-mind-it-is/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [Small groups of persons can, and do, make the rest of us think what they please about a given subject. But there are usually…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/small-groups-of-persons-can-and-do-make-the-rest-of-us-think-what/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-invisible-government-tends-to-be-concentrated-in-the-hands-of-the/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [The only difference between 'propaganda' and 'education,' really, is in the point of view. The advocacy of what we believe in is education. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-only-difference-between-propaganda-and-education-really-is-in-the/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [The best defense against propaganda: more propaganda.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-best-defense-against-propaganda-more-propaganda/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [Our invisible governors are, in many cases, unaware of the identity of their fellow members in the inner cabinet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/our-invisible-governors-are-in-many-cases-unaware-of-the-identity-of/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [The counsel on public relations is not an advertising man but he advocates for advertising where that is indicated. Very often he is called…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-counsel-on-public-relations-is-not-an-advertising-man-but-he/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/vast-numbers-of-human-beings-must-cooperate-in-this-manner-if-they/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/we-are-governed-our-minds-are-molded-our-tastes-formed-our-ideas/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [I believe that competition in the future will not be only an advertising competition between individual products or between big associations, but that it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/i-believe-that-competition-in-the-future-will-not-be-only-an/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [The best place to find things: the public library.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-best-place-to-find-things-the-public-library/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [If you can influence the leaders, either with or without their conscious cooperation, you automatically influence the group which they sway.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/if-you-can-influence-the-leaders-either-with-or-without-their/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) [Explore all 47 Edward Bernays quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) ## More Manipulation quotes > [“Blaming therapy, social work and other caring professions for the confabulation of testimony of 'satanic ritual abuse' legitimated a programme of political and social…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-salter/blaming-therapy-social-work-and-other-caring-professions-for-the/) [Michael Salter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-salter/) > [I think that storytelling and creation are very close to what the center of what magic is about. I think not just for me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-moore/i-think-that-storytelling-and-creation-are-very-close-to-what-the/) [Alan Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-moore/) > [“The people who would like to manipulate and use you won't tell you your blind spots. They may plan to continue using them to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/assegid-habtewold/the-people-who-would-like-to-manipulate-and-use-you-won-t-tell-you/) [Assegid Habtewold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/assegid-habtewold/) > [“Manipulating or controlling others through the use of one's illness or suffering,for example,was-and remains-extremely effective for people who find they cannot be direct in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caroline-myss/manipulating-or-controlling-others-through-the-use-of-one-s-illness/) [Caroline Myss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caroline-myss/) > [“The fact that I can get away with something is the very reason why I shouldn’t do it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-d-lounsbrough/the-fact-that-i-can-get-away-with-something-is-the-very-reason-why-i/) [Craig D. Lounsbrough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-d-lounsbrough/) > [The casting couch exists in every business where there is power dynamics and manipulation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tisca-chopra/the-casting-couch-exists-in-every-business-where-there-is-power/) [Tisca Chopra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tisca-chopra/) > [Con men look for human frailty to exploit. This is most often greed. Trump found a different vice: anger. The emotional are always the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pamela-meyer/con-men-look-for-human-frailty-to-exploit-this-is-most-often-greed/) [Pamela Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pamela-meyer/) > [Exploitation and manipulation produce boredom and triviality; they cripple man, and all factors that make man into a psychic cripple turn him also into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-fromm/exploitation-and-manipulation-produce-boredom-and-triviality-they/) [Erich Fromm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-fromm/) > [I am particularly horrified by the use of propaganda and the manipulation of the truth and the revision of history.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hillary-clinton/i-am-particularly-horrified-by-the-use-of-propaganda-and-the/) [Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hillary-clinton/) > [“But people like Henry never did. People like Henry always came back, because people like Henry knew how to use trust. It was the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/but-people-like-henry-never-did-people-like-henry-always-came-back/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [“Leaches Ten Tall by Stewart Stafford Don't play this game with me, Predatory whelk of tide pools, Taint me as Rigoletto to a bawd,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stewart-stafford/leaches-ten-tall-by-stewart-stafford-don-t-play-this-game-with-me/) [Stewart Stafford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stewart-stafford/) > [What I like about the internet, what I see there is that its much more democratic. I have much more control, and if what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-greene/what-i-like-about-the-internet-what-i-see-there-is-that-its-much-more/) [Robert Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-greene/) > [“And the priests looked down into the pit of injustice and they turned their faces away and said, 'Our kingdom is not as the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-weiss/and-the-priests-looked-down-into-the-pit-of-injustice-and-they-turned/) [Peter Weiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-weiss/) > [A politician's goal is always to manipulate public debate. I think there are some politicians with higher goals. But all of them get corrupted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-koontz/a-politician-s-goal-is-always-to-manipulate-public-debate-i-think/) [Dean Koontz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-koontz/) > [“We humans always seem to take a manipulative posture. No matter what the particulars of the situation, or the subject matter, we prepare ourselves…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-redfield/we-humans-always-seem-to-take-a-manipulative-posture-no-matter-what/) [James Redfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-redfield/) [Browse all 641 Manipulation quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/manipulation/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We are dominated by the relatively small number of persons who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. 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