"A crowd always thinks with its sympathy, never with its reason"
- William R. Alger
About this Quote
This quote by William R. Alger recommends that individuals tend to make choices based upon their emotions rather than on reasoning. He implies that when people remain in a group, they are most likely to be swayed by their sensations and the sensations of others, instead of by reasonable idea. This can be seen in the way individuals typically make choices based on what is popular or what is socially accepted, instead of what is objectively ideal or wrong. Alger's quote also indicates that individuals are most likely to be influenced by their own predispositions and prejudices when in a group, instead of by realities and proof. This can result in choices that are not in the very best interest of the group, or even of the person. Eventually, Alger's quote serves as a suggestion to think critically and objectively, instead of to be swayed by the emotions of the crowd.
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