Average Quote by Lawrence Lessig
“If zero percent of the elites support something, very low chance it's going to pass, if 100% support something, very high chance it's going to pass. Same thing for organized interest groups. But for the average voter, it's a flat line. Which says it doesn't matter whether zero percent of the public believes something or 100% of the average voters believe something - it doesn't affect the probability that that thing will be enacted.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: TED Talk on Influence and Policy, 2011
Political outcomes are driven by elite and organized group support, not by average public opinion.
In simple terms: Elite support matters, average voter opinion doesn’t.
Key Takeaway
Focus on influencing elites and groups.
Themes
politics
influence
public opinion
policy
elite power
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- lobbying
- campaign strategy
- public advocacy
- media outreach
- grassroots mobilization
Key Concepts
interest groups
elite theory
policy diffusion
democratic legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens amplify their voice despite elite dominance?
- What strategies can reduce elite overreach?
A Different Perspective
Public opinion may still shape long‑term cultural norms, even if not immediate policy.
