Easy Quote by William Lamb Melbourne
“It is safest to take the unpopular side in the first instance. Transit from the unpopular is easy... but from the popular to the unpopular is so steep and rugged that it is impossible to maintain it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, 19th Century, Australia
Advocating early adoption of unpopular opinions because later it becomes harder to revert to mainstream views.
In simple terms: Take unpopular stance early to avoid later difficulty.
Consider the long‑term impact of your positions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- organizational change
- personal ethics
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks do you face by choosing the unpopular side?
- How can you sustain unpopular views?
Popular pressure may still dominate despite early stance.