Behavior Quote by Jan Struther
“Private opinion creates public opinion. Public opinion overflows eventually into national behavior as things are arranged at present, can make or mar the world. That is why private opinion, and private behavior, and private conversation are so terrifyingly important.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unknown source, early 20th century essay
Private thoughts shape collective attitudes, which eventually drive societal actions and outcomes.
In simple terms: Personal views influence society.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate responsible private discourse.
Themes
responsibility
influence
society
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- online discussions
- family gatherings
- workplace meetings
- political rallies
- media consumption
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your private beliefs affect your public actions?
- What mechanisms amplify personal views into public policy?
A Different Perspective
Private opinions may be suppressed or ignored, limiting impact.
![“American public opinion, as you can see in the polls, radically changed from being against airstrikes to being heavily in favor that [President Obama] decided to do airstrikes. This is a classic example of leading from behind where he waits for public opinion. And now it's the public who's…” quote by Charles Krauthammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f5a/charles-krauthammer-1232_behinds_american-public-opinion-as-you-can-see-i_1228411.jpg)
![“One of the things that you learn, having been in this [President's] office for four years, is the old adage of Abraham Lincoln's. That with public opinion there's nothing you can't do and without public opinion there's very little you can get done.” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ab/barack-obama-17_abraham_one-of-the-things-that-you-learn-having_504252.jpg)
![“...[Y]ou cannot successfully navigate the future unless you keep always framed beside it a small clear image of the past.” quote by Jan Struther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ff4/jan-struther-13125_future_y-ou-cannot-successfully-navigate-the-fu_378884.jpg)
