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Altruism Quote by John Stuart Mill

“Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives... I never meant to say that the Conservatives are generally stupid. I meant to say that stupid people are generally Conservative. I believe that is so obviously and universally admitted a principle that I hardly…” quote by John Stuart Mill
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““Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives... I never meant to say that the Conservatives are generally stupid. I meant to say that stupid people are generally Conservative. I believe that is so obviously and universally admitted a principle that I hardly think any gentleman will deny it. Suppose any party, in addition to whatever share it may possess of the ability of the community, has nearly the whole of its stupidity, that party must, by the law of its constitution, be the stupidest party; and I do not see why honorable gentlemen should see that position as at all offensive to them, for it ensures their being always an extremely powerful party . . . There is so much dense, solid force in sheer stupidity, that any body of able men with that force pressing behind them may ensure victory in many a struggle, and many a victory the Conservative party has gained through that power." John Stuart Mill ( British philosopher, economist, and liberal member of Parliament for Westminster from 1865 to 68 )””

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

Source Speech: Parliamentary debate, United Kingdom, 1865

Mill argues that stupidity, not ideology, can dominate a political party, making it powerful despite its flaws.

In simple terms: Stupidity can make a party strong regardless of ideas.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the role of collective force over individual intellect.

Themes

politics power stupidity collective force

Mood

skeptical critical analytical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • election campaigns
  • policy advocacy
  • party organization
  • public persuasion

Key Concepts

social dynamics political theory mass psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does collective force outweigh rational policy?
  • Can a party thrive on ignorance?
A Different Perspective

Stupidity alone cannot sustain long‑term success without competence.

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