Appeals Quote by James G. Frazer
![“If the test of truth lay in a show of hands or a counting of heads, the system of magic might appeal, with far more reason than the Catholic Church, to the proud motto, 'Quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus' [always, everywhere, and by all], as the sure and certain credential of its own…” quote by James G. Frazer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f2f/james-g-frazer-17815_appeals_if-the-test-of-truth-lay-in-a-show-of-ha_2522969.jpg)
“If the test of truth lay in a show of hands or a counting of heads, the system of magic might appeal, with far more reason than the Catholic Church, to the proud motto, 'Quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus' [always, everywhere, and by all], as the sure and certain credential of its own infallibility.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Golden Bough, James G. Frazer, 1890
Truth measured by popular consensus can seem as credible as magical belief, challenging institutional authority.
In simple terms: Consensus can masquerade as truth.
Key Takeaway
Question authority based on popular opinion.
Themes
truth
authority
belief
consensus
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- media analysis
- education
- public policy
- community decision‑making
Key Concepts
sociology
philosophy
religion
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect truth from majority bias?
- How does charisma affect perceived credibility?
A Different Perspective
Popular opinion can be manipulated, undermining genuine truth.
![“A Christian anarchist has no business belonging to such a reactionary organization [the Catholic Church]. I do not believe in original sin, indulgences, the infallibility of the pope, or obedience to any church official if it is against my conscience. I am not interested in earning "merit" or in…” quote by Ammon Hennacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/ammon-hennacy-33177_anarchist_a-christian-anarchist-has-no-business-be_2906303.jpg)
![“[W]hen men have realized that time has upset many fighting faiths, they may come to believe . . . that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market, and that truth is the only ground upon which their wishes safely can be carried out.” quote by Justice Holmes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3c0/justice-holmes-251321_investing_w-hen-men-have-realized-that-time-has-up_1187787.jpg)
