"The history of the world is the record of the weakness, frailty and death of public opinion"
- Samuel Butler
About this Quote
This quote by Samuel Butler talks to the power of popular opinion and its ability to form the course of history. He suggests that popular opinion is typically weak, frail, and short lived, which its impact is frequently short-term. He indicates that the history of the world is a reflection of the power of public opinion, and that it is typically short lived and easily forgotten. This recommends that popular opinion is not a trusted source of guidance or instructions, and that it is often undependable and easily swayed. Butler's quote works as a reminder that popular opinion need to not be taken too seriously, and that it is frequently short lived and easily forgotten. It is important to bear in mind that public opinion is not always the very best guide for making choices, and that it is frequently unreliable and easily swayed.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do"