---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: No one can expect a majority to be…"
description: "\"No one can expect a majority to be stirred by motives other than ignoble.\" — Norman Douglas"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/norman-douglas-15021_ignoble_no-one-can-expect-a-majority-to-be-stirr_390675.png"
---

#  No one can expect a majority to be stirred by motives…

![“No one can expect a majority to be stirred by motives other than ignoble.” quote by Norman Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/norman-douglas-15021_ignoble_no-one-can-expect-a-majority-to-be-stirr_390675.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/norman-douglas-15021_ignoble_no-one-can-expect-a-majority-to-be-stirr_390675.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/742/norman-douglas-15021_ignoble_no-one-can-expect-a-majority-to-be-stirr_390675.png)

> “No one can expect a majority to be stirred by motives other than ignoble.”

[Norman Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-douglas/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote suggests that most people are motivated by self‑interest rather than noble ideals.

**In simple terms:** People are driven by self‑interest.

Key Takeaway

Recognize self‑interest in motivations.

Themes

human nature motivation ethics

Mood

skeptical thoughtful

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

- business negotiations
- political campaigns
- charitable fundraising
- team leadership

Key Concepts

self‑interest altruism moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

- When have you acted from noble motives despite self‑interest?
- Can self‑interest coexist with altruism?

A Different Perspective

Noble motives can still inspire despite common self‑interest.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Motive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motive/)

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[Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/)

## More by Norman Douglas

> [People who have reformed themselves has contributed their full share towards the reformation of their neighbor.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-douglas/people-who-have-reformed-themselves-has-contributed-their-full-share/)

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[Norman Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-douglas/)

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[Explore all 44 Norman Douglas quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-douglas/)

## More Ignoble quotes

> [Many of us, whether in the jungles of Asia or on the streets of Chicago, had discovered that noble causes can lead to ignoble…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-grant/many-of-us-whether-in-the-jungles-of-asia-or-on-the-streets-of/)

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[Christian Nestell Bovee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christian-nestell-bovee/)

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