The art of those who govern consists above all in the science of employing words.
Gustave Le BonRead
The masses have never thirsted after truth. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People are often more drawn to comforting illusions than to harsh truths.
In this quote, Gustave Le Bon suggests that the general public tends to prefer comforting falsehoods over confronting the often uncomfortable reality of truth. Those who can provide these comforting illusions hold power over the masses, while those who challenge these beliefs face resistance and criticism. This reflects a broader commentary on human nature and societal dynamics.
Themes
TruthIllusionPowerSocietyHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
In a public debate about media influence, one might use this quote to illustrate how sensationalism can replace honest reporting.
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That makes me think, my friend, as I have often done before, how natural it is that those who have spent a long time in the study of philosophy appear ridiculous when they enter the courts of law as speakers. Those who have knocked about in courts and the like from their youth up seem to me, when compared with those who have been brought up in philosophy and similar pursuits, to be as slaves in breeding compared with freemen.
PlatoRead