Discreet Sheep Quote by Mark Twain
““There are,” said Twain, “certain sweet-smelling, sugarcoated lies current in the world which all politic men have apparently tacitly conspired together to support and perpetuate… We are discreet sheep; we wait to see how the drove is going and then go with the drove. We have two opinions: one private, which we are afraid to express, and another one -- the one we use -- which we force ourselves to wear to please Mrs. Grundy.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, 1876
People often hide their true opinions, conforming to societal expectations and supporting false narratives for acceptance.
In simple terms: People pretend to agree to fit in.
Key Takeaway
Speak your true view despite pressure.
Themes
conformity
truth
social pressure
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- political debate
- workplace meetings
- social media discussions
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
social conformity
self‑censorship
public opinion
Questions to Reflect On
- What truth are you hiding to please others?
- How does conformity affect societal progress?
A Different Perspective
Risk of alienation or conflict when honesty challenges norms.
