---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The popular tendency is to listen…"
description: "\"The popular tendency is to listen approvingly to the most extreme statements and claims of politicians and orators who seek popularity by declaring the..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/441/elihu-root-16522_claims_the-popular-tendency-is-to-listen-approv_528426.jpg"
---

#  The popular tendency is to listen approvingly to the most…

![“The popular tendency is to listen approvingly to the most extreme statements and claims of politicians and orators who seek popularity by declaring their own country right in everything and other countries wrong in everything.” quote by Elihu Root](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/441/elihu-root-16522_claims_the-popular-tendency-is-to-listen-approv_528426.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/441/elihu-root-16522_claims_the-popular-tendency-is-to-listen-approv_528426.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/441/elihu-root-16522_claims_the-popular-tendency-is-to-listen-approv_528426.jpg)

> “The popular tendency is to listen approvingly to the most extreme statements and claims of politicians and orators who seek popularity by declaring their own country right in everything and other countries wrong in everything.”

[Elihu Root](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elihu-root/)

## About This Quote

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

People tend to favor extreme nationalist rhetoric, praising their own country while denigrating others, which skews public discourse.

**In simple terms:** Extreme nationalism clouds judgment.

Key Takeaway

Beware the allure of extreme nationalism.

Themes

nationalism political rhetoric media bias

Mood

critical cautious

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

- election campaigns
- media analysis
- public debates
- policy formation

Key Concepts

political science psychology propaganda

Questions to Reflect On

- How does extreme nationalism affect global cooperation?
- What strategies can counteract biased narratives?

A Different Perspective

Such rhetoric can deepen division and hinder cooperation.

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