--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is one characteristic of the…" description: "\"There is one characteristic of the present direction of public opinion, peculiarly calculated to make it intolerant of any marked demonstration of indi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/john-stuart-mill-477_accustomed_there-is-one-characteristic-of-the-prese_92641.png" --- # There is one characteristic of the present direction of… ![“There is one characteristic of the present direction of public opinion, peculiarly calculated to make it intolerant of any marked demonstration of individuality. The general average of mankind are not only moderate in intellect, but also moderate in inclinations: they have no tastes or wishes…” quote by John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/john-stuart-mill-477_accustomed_there-is-one-characteristic-of-the-prese_92641.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/john-stuart-mill-477_accustomed_there-is-one-characteristic-of-the-prese_92641.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6d/john-stuart-mill-477_accustomed_there-is-one-characteristic-of-the-prese_92641.png) > “There is one characteristic of the present direction of public opinion, peculiarly calculated to make it intolerant of any marked demonstration of individuality. The general average of mankind are not only moderate in intellect, but also moderate in inclinations: they have no tastes or wishes strong enough to incline them to do anything unusual, and they consequently do not understand those who have, and class all such with the wild and intemperate whom they are accustomed to look down upon.” [John Stuart Mill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stuart-mill/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Societal conformity suppresses individuality; most people lack strong preferences, leading them to disdain the unconventional. **In simple terms:** Conformity blinds people to unique individuals. Key Takeaway Mediocrity fuels intolerance of difference. Themes society individuality conformity tolerance Mood critical reflective Type philosophical When to use this quote - educational curricula design - workplace diversity initiatives - media representation debates Key Concepts social psychology cultural criticism Practical Applications - encourage critical thinking - celebrate diverse perspectives Questions to Reflect On - How can societies nurture strong, independent tastes? - What role does education play in resisting mediocrity? 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