This quote by Beilby Porteus is a commentary on the power of popular opinion and how it can shape the understanding of an individual. It recommends that one act of murder can make a person a villain in the eyes of the public, while millions of acts of heroism can make an individual a hero. This quote is a pointer that popular opinion can be fickle and that it is not constantly an accurate reflection of a person's character. It also implies that the general public can be easily swayed by sensationalized stories which it is essential to look beyond the headings to get a more accurate image of an individual's character. Eventually, this quote works as a suggestion that public opinion need to not be taken as gospel which it is important to look beyond the surface to get a much better understanding of a person's character.
"The head of the CIA, it seems to me, would think long and hard before he admitted that former employees of his had been involved in the murder of the President of the United States-even if they weren't acting on behalf of the Agency when they did it"
"It's frightening how easy it is to commit murder in America. Just a drink too much. I can see myself doing it. In England, one feels all the social restraints holding one back. But here, anything can happen"
