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Nor is the people's judgment always true: the most may err as grossly as the few.
John Dryden
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The general opinion of the masses can often be just as mistaken as the opinions of a few individuals.

This quote by John Dryden highlights the fallibility of public opinion, suggesting that large groups of people can make significant errors in judgment, similar to the mistakes made by a smaller group. It serves as a reminder that popular belief is not always synonymous with truth, urging individuals to think critically rather than simply conforming to the majority view.

Themes

JudgmentTruthOpinionMajorityFallibility

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion on social media where everyone's opinion is being shared.

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Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
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Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
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And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
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