--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have voluntarily agreed to let an…" description: "\"We have voluntarily agreed to let an invisible government sift the data and high-spot the outstanding issues so that our field of choice shall be narro..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/edward-bernays-14230_accepting_we-have-voluntarily-agreed-to-let-an-inv_2913407.jpg" --- # We have voluntarily agreed to let an invisible government… ![“We have voluntarily agreed to let an invisible government sift the data and high-spot the outstanding issues so that our field of choice shall be narrowed to practical proportions. From our leaders and the media they use to reach the public, we accept the evidence and the demarcation of issues…” quote by Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/edward-bernays-14230_accepting_we-have-voluntarily-agreed-to-let-an-inv_2913407.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/edward-bernays-14230_accepting_we-have-voluntarily-agreed-to-let-an-inv_2913407.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33f/edward-bernays-14230_accepting_we-have-voluntarily-agreed-to-let-an-inv_2913407.jpg) > “We have voluntarily agreed to let an invisible government sift the data and high-spot the outstanding issues so that our field of choice shall be narrowed to practical proportions. From our leaders and the media they use to reach the public, we accept the evidence and the demarcation of issues bearing upon public questions; from some ethical teacher, be it a minister, a favorite essayist, or merely prevailing opinion, we accept a standardized code of social conduct to which we conform most of the time.” [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. Society often trusts unseen authorities to shape opinions, conforming to prevailing norms without scrutiny. **In simple terms:** People follow hidden influences. Key Takeaway Question authority and seek diverse perspectives. Themes media influence social conformity authority Mood critical inquisitive Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - political campaigns - advertising - public policy debates Key Concepts propaganda social psychology ethics Questions to Reflect On - Who decides your standards? - What evidence challenges the mainstream view? A Different Perspective Blind acceptance can erode critical thinking. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/) [Code](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/code/) [Data](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/data/) [Essayists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/essayists/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Issues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/issues/) [Leader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leader/) [Leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership/) [Media](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/media/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) [Teacher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teacher/) ## Related quotes > [“Agree with me, or disagree with me, that is your choice. But I will say this to you, and if nothing else, take this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-b-lockhart/agree-with-me-or-disagree-with-me-that-is-your-choice-but-i-will-say/) [Peter B. Lockhart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-b-lockhart/) > [The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organised 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-organised-habits/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [As civilization has become more complex, and as the need for invisible government has been increasingly demonstrated, the technical means have been invented and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/as-civilization-has-become-more-complex-and-as-the-need-for-invisible/) [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 systematic study of mass psychology revealed to students the potentialities of invisible government of society by manipulation of the motives which actuate man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/the-systematic-study-of-mass-psychology-revealed-to-students-the/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [Propaganda is the executive arm of the invisible government.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bernays/propaganda-is-the-executive-arm-of-the-invisible-government/) [Edward Bernays](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bernays/) > [The spineless pussy willows in Ottawa are actually helping to condition the Canadian public to accept the surrender of our country, which American forces…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-hellyer/the-spineless-pussy-willows-in-ottawa-are-actually-helping-to/) Paul Hellyer > [In fact, the public will accept any city plan and skyline provided that its architecture is traditional.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leon-krier/in-fact-the-public-will-accept-any-city-plan-and-skyline-provided/) [Leon Krier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leon-krier/) > [In art, the public accept what has been, because they cannot alter it, not because they appreciate it. They swallow their classics whole, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/in-art-the-public-accept-what-has-been-because-they-cannot-alter-it/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“Whether selling a new song, a new food, or a new crib, the lesson is the same: If you dress a new something in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-duhigg/whether-selling-a-new-song-a-new-food-or-a-new-crib-the-lesson-is-the/) [Charles Duhigg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-duhigg/) > [ I wouldn't give a dime for all the possibilities of \[motion pictures with sound\]. The public will never accept it. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eastman/i-wouldn-t-give-a-dime-for-all-the-possibilities-of-motion-pictures/) [George Eastman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eastman/) > [If you dress a new something in old habits, it’s easier for the public to accept it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-duhigg/if-you-dress-a-new-something-in-old-habits-it-s-easier-for-the-public/) [Charles Duhigg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-duhigg/) > [I think the American public can accept the fact if you tell them that every time you pick up the phone it's going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raymond-kelly/i-think-the-american-public-can-accept-the-fact-if-you-tell-them-that/) [Raymond Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raymond-kelly/) > [New York is the city of privilege. Here is the seat of the Invisible Power represented by the allied forces of finance and industry.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-jennings-bryan/new-york-is-the-city-of-privilege-here-is-the-seat-of-the-invisible/) [William Jennings Bryan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-jennings-bryan/) > [Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people. To destroy this invisible government,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-roosevelt/behind-the-ostensible-government-sits-enthroned-an-invisible/) [Theodore Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-roosevelt/) ## 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 Accepting quotes > [From Augustine down, theologians have tried to compel people to accept their special interpretation of the Scripture, and the tortures of the inquisition, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matilda-joslyn-gage/from-augustine-down-theologians-have-tried-to-compel-people-to-accept/) [Matilda Joslyn Gage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matilda-joslyn-gage/) > [Laughing, laughing, laughing, laughing! It is the jester! A voice from the Void, to cheer poor Cicero! I accept your gift, dearest Night Mother.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/laughing-laughing-laughing-laughing-it-is-the-jester-a-voice-from-the/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [This duo inside of me causes the perfect opportunity to live and learn twice as fast as those who choose to accept simplicity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tupac-shakur/this-duo-inside-of-me-causes-the-perfect-opportunity-to-live-and/) [Tupac Shakur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tupac-shakur/) > [There is something about the South that accepts the supernatural. If you don't accept it and you're having a conversation with someone who does,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-englert/there-is-something-about-the-south-that-accepts-the-supernatural-if/) [Alice Englert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-englert/) > [We only enter into the full life if our faith gives thanks. Because how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-voskamp/we-only-enter-into-the-full-life-if-our-faith-gives-thanks-because/) [Ann Voskamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-voskamp/) > [Don't be bitter. Everybody suffers. If you can accept your suffering then you will understand other people better. Be grateful for pain. Love life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-colbert/don-t-be-bitter-everybody-suffers-if-you-can-accept-your-suffering/) [Stephen Colbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-colbert/) > [It takes an unusually philosophic mind to accept that all one’s suffering might be to no end, really, in the larger scheme of things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-takes-an-unusually-philosophic-mind-to-accept-that-all-one-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [No nation being under another nation can accept gifts, and kick at the responsibility attached to those gifts, imposed by the conquering nation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahatma-gandhi/no-nation-being-under-another-nation-can-accept-gifts-and-kick-at-the/) [Mahatma Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahatma-gandhi/) > [Even with clothing naked animals, there were people who wanted to send in money. A woman in Santa Barbara, California, sent a $40,000 check.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-abel/even-with-clothing-naked-animals-there-were-people-who-wanted-to-send/) [Alan Abel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-abel/) > [Society understands the architecture of academia and knows there are relevant qualifications in different fields, and the media accepts the idea of specialisations and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-griffiths/society-understands-the-architecture-of-academia-and-knows-there-are/) [Jay Griffiths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-griffiths/) > [Whatever your conscious mind assumes and believes to be true, your subconscious mind will accept and bring to pass. Believe in good fortune, divine…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-murphy/whatever-your-conscious-mind-assumes-and-believes-to-be-true-your/) [Joseph Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-murphy/) > [Losing someone is easy, but accepting it is hard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/losing-someone-is-easy-but-accepting-it-is-hard/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [… and so he tried to accept the ache in his heart as what Dr. Larch would call the common symptoms of normal life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-irving/and-so-he-tried-to-accept-the-ache-in-his-heart-as-what-dr-larch/) [John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-irving/) > [I think what was special about 'Music by Prudence' was the classic story of the title subject's life path - from being an outcast…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-ross-williams/i-think-what-was-special-about-music-by-prudence-was-the-classic/) [Roger Ross Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-ross-williams/) > [As my films are born at the moment when they are reflected into another person's mind and memories, there are no misconceptions. I totally…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pirjo-honkasalo/as-my-films-are-born-at-the-moment-when-they-are-reflected-into/) [Pirjo Honkasalo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pirjo-honkasalo/) Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We have voluntarily agreed to let an invisible government sift the data and high-spot the outstanding issues so that our field of choice shall be narrowed to practical proportions. 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