Democracy Quote by Emily Eden
““Ever, while you live, choose the popular side in an election; that is, if you have no particular political prejudices of your own; for there is no comparison between a reception of cheers, applause, and good-will, and one of cabbage-stalks, groans, and bad eggs. Besides, there is something exhilarating in the real, genuine affection (while it lasts) of a mob for their favourite of a day.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Letters from a Lady of Quality, 1792
Choosing popular opinion for applause gives fleeting approval, but true joy comes from genuine, though temporary, affection of a crowd for its favorite.
In simple terms: Seeking popular approval offers short‑term praise, but real joy is fleeting crowd’s genuine affection.
Key Takeaway
Value authentic connection over fleeting applause.
Themes
popularity
approval
mob mentality
ephemeral joy
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- social media trends
- public speaking
- celebrity culture
Key Concepts
social psychology
collective behavior
validation
transience
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize personal integrity over crowd approval?
- How does fleeting applause affect long‑term fulfillment?
A Different Perspective
Popular opinion can be manipulative and may not reflect personal values.
![“There's more than 1700 emails out of the thirty three thousand Hillary Clinton emails that we've published, just about Libya. It's not that Libya has cheap oil. She perceived the removal of [Muammar] Gaddafi and the overthrow of the Libyan state - something that she would use in her run-up to the…” quote by Julian Assange](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d1a/julian-assange-1566_clinton_there-s-more-than-1700-emails-out-of-the_2174.jpg)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
