"There are certain times when public opinion is the worst of all opinions"

Nicolas Chamfort’s observation points to the dangers and unreliability of public opinion, especially in moments of emotional or collective upheaval. Public opinion, formed by the masses, often carries the weight of consensus and can exert enormous influence over individuals and institutions alike. Yet, when shaped by passions, misinformation, or the volatility of the crowd, it may become a potent source of injustice or irrationality.

Throughout history, instances abound where what the majority felt or demanded did not coincide with what was just, moral, or prudent. Whether during politically charged periods, social panics, or widespread movements fueled by rumor rather than fact, the collective judgment of the people has sometimes led to disastrous consequences. The Salem witch trials serve as a classic example, public opinion deemed innocent people guilty, swept away by fear and superstition. Similarly, in times of war or political tension, dissenting voices are often suppressed under the immense pressure of majority sentiment, regardless of the reason or truth in their arguments.

Chamfort’s remark calls attention to these vulnerabilities. He suggests that the mere consensus of the majority is not inherently trustworthy or right and that, at certain junctures, it can even be more harmful than any individual or private misjudgment. The wisdom of crowds, often celebrated, has a darker flipside: the folly of mobs. When investigation, patience, and critical thinking give way to groupthink or fervor, the result is a collective error that is difficult to reverse and immensely damaging.

His words encourage skepticism and independence of thought, especially when prevailing opinions appear to be unanimous or are enforced by the momentum of the crowd. True discernment, he implies, often means standing apart from what is popular or commonplace, and requires the courage to resist the seductive certitude of public consensus.