Democracy Quote by Henrik Ibsen
““The majority never has right on its side. Never I say! That is one of the social lies that a free, thinking man is bound to rebel against. Who makes up the majority in any given country? Is it the wise men or the fools? I think we must agree that the fools are in a terrible overwhelming majority, all the wide world over. But, damn it, it can surely never be right that the stupid should rule over the clever! (An Enemy of the People, act 4)””
About This Quote
Source Play: An Enemy of the People, Act 4, 1882
The quote argues that the majority is often composed of the less intelligent, and that a free-thinking individual should resist the tyranny of the ignorant.
In simple terms: Most people are not wise; think critically and resist mob rule.
Key Takeaway
Question authority when it reflects the ignorant.
Themes
politics
society
intelligence
authority
rebellion
Mood
skeptical
defiant
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
critical
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- community decisions
- leadership elections
- media influence
Key Concepts
democracy
mass psychology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you followed the crowd despite doubts?
- How can societies ensure informed majority decisions?
A Different Perspective
The majority can also be informed and wise; not all majority opinions are foolish.
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