The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
If forty million people say a foolish thing it does not become a wise one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Popularity does not determine the truth or wisdom of an idea.
The quote emphasizes that the validity of an idea is not influenced by how many people believe in it. It serves as a reminder that wisdom is independent of popular opinion, and just because something is widely accepted does not mean it is inherently true or wise. Critical thinking and individual judgment are essential in discerning wisdom from folly.
Themes
WisdomTruthOpinionCritical ThinkingIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about social issues, one could use this quote to argue that just because a majority believes something, it doesn't make it right.
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There in the mist, enormous, majestic, silent and terrible, stood the Great Wall of China. Solitarily, with the indifference of nature herself, it crept up the mountain side and slipped down to the depth of the valley.
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