Cases Quote by Theodore Roosevelt
“It may be that 'the voice of the people is the voice of God' in fifty one cases out of a hundred, but in the remaining forty nine it is quite as likely to be the voice of the devil, of, what is still worse, the voice of a fool.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Republican National Convention, 1905
The majority’s opinion can be divine or deceitful; trust must be earned, not assumed.
In simple terms: Popular opinion isn’t always right.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, seek evidence.
Themes
politics
truth
leadership
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
cautionary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- voting
- policy debates
- media consumption
Key Concepts
democracy
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you followed a popular view that proved wrong?
- How can you discern truth in mass opinion?
A Different Perspective
Majorities can be misled by charisma.
![“[As in the case of] alcohol prohibition, illegality has driven organized crime, sent countless people to jail, and killed many thousands. Repression does not work.” quote by Sam Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/212/sam-branson-36458_alcohol_as-in-the-case-of-alcohol-prohibition-il_8703.jpg)
