The world is governed by opinion.
Interpretation
Opinion shapes societal norms and governance.
This quote by Thomas Hobbes suggests that the foundation of governance in the world is not solely based on laws or structures, but rather on the collective opinions and beliefs of individuals. In essence, it highlights the significant influence that public perception and consensus have on the functioning and decisions of societies and governments.
In practice
In a civil debate about social issues, this quote could emphasize the importance of public opinion.
Baptism is the sacrament of allegiance of them that are to be received into the Kingdom of God, that is to say, into Eternal life, that is to say, to Remission of Sin. For as Eternal life was lost by the committing, so it is recovered by the remitting of men's sins.
Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues.
For it is not the shape, but their use, that makes them angels.
For to accuse requires less eloquence, such is man's nature, than to excuse; and condemnation, than absolution, more resembles justice.
Scientia potentia est, sed parva; quia scientia egregia rara est, nec proinde apparens nisi paucissimis, et in paucis rebus. Scientiae enim ea natura est, ut esse intelligi non possit, nisi ab illis qui sunt scientia praediti.
The end of knowledge is power ... the scope of all speculation is the performing of some action or thing to be done.
We will not find the inner strength to evolve to a higher level if we do not inwardly develop this profound feeling that there is something higher than ourselves.
Everything must be free to be written and published without restraint.
I can think of nothing less pleasurable than a life devoted to pleasure.
History, Stephen said, is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.
While violence is part of what it means to be part of the black diaspora in the United States, that is not all it means to be black.
As for charity, it is a matter in which the immediate effect on the persons directly concerned, and the ultimate consequence to the general good, are apt to be at complete war with one another.
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