This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
To the man who studies to gain a thorough insight into science, books and study are merely the steps of the ladder by which he climbs to the summit; as soon as a step has been advanced he leaves it behind. The majority of mankind, however, who study to fill their memory with facts do not use the steps of the ladder to mount upward, but take them off and lay them on their shoulders in order that they may take them along, delighting in the weight of the burden they are carrying. They ever remain below because they carry what should carry them.
Books | Insight | Majority | Man | Mankind | Memory | Order | Science | Study |
Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield
Without publicity there can be no public spirit, and without public spirit every nation must decay.
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence that it is not utterly absurd; indeed, in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.
The majority is the best way, because it is visible and has strength to make itself obeyed. Yet it is the opinion of the least able.
The highest order of mind is accused of folly, as well as the lowest. Nothing is thoroughly approved but mediocrity. The majority has established this, and it fixes its fangs on whatever gets beyond it either way.
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny.
Opinion | Prison | Public | Respect | Submission | Tyranny | Respect |
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
A fanatical belief in democracy makes democratic institutions impossible.
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd; indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
All the important human advances that we know of since historical times began have been due to individuals of whom the majority faced virulent public opposition.
Important | Majority | Opposition | Public |
The majority is the best way, because it is visible, and has strength to make itself obeyed. Yet it is the opinion of the least able.
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
If one man offers you democracy and another offers you a bag of grain, at what stage of starvation will you prefer the grain to the vote?
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
The fact that the majority of a community dislikes an opinion gives it no right to interfere with those who hold it. And the fact that the majority of a community wishes not to know certain facts gives it no right to imprison those who wish to know them.
Bertrand Russell, fully Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell
There is… no point in deliberately flouting public opinion; this is still to be under its domination, though in a topsy-turvy way. But to be genuinely indifferent to it is both a strength and a source of happiness.
Nothing is thoroughly approved but mediocrity. The majority have established this.
Majority | Mediocrity | Nothing |
The public have more interest in the punishment of an injury than he who receives it.
Public | Punishment |