"In the mass of mankind, I fear, there is too great a majority of fools and knaves; who, singly from their number, must to a certain degree be respected, though they are by no means respectable"

This quote by Philip Stanhope speaks with the regrettable truth of the world we live in. He is recommending that the majority of people on the planet are fools and knaves, or individuals who are not decent. He acknowledges that due to their sheer number, they should be respected to a specific degree, however that does not suggest they deserve regard. Stanhope is indicating that most of individuals on the planet are not good individuals, and that it is an unfortunate fact that should be accepted. He is likewise recommending that the minority of individuals who are reputable need to be respected more than most of individuals who are not. This quote speaks to the idea that the world is not constantly a fair place, which often the bad people are the ones who are respected one of the most.