This quote suggests that truth and righteousness are not persistent by the majority’s opinion. Just because a large number of people believe something to be true or right, it doesn’t necessarily make it so. This viewpoint encourages critical thinking and individual judgment, rather than blind conformity to popular belief. It is a caution against the dangers of groupthink,where individuals go along with group consensus without critically evaluating an idea or situation.
In today’s world, this idea is notably relevant in the context of social media and news consumption. With the proliferation of data (and misinformation), it’s easy for unverified or false ideas to spread rapidly and widely accepted by many people. Therefore, this quote reminds us to check facts independently rather than accepting them just because they are popularly believed.
In terms of personal development, this quote inspires us to stay true to our convictions even when they might be unpopular or unconventional.It encourages us not only to question societal norms but also our own beliefs if they are based merely on what most people think is right.
Moreover, in decision-making processes whether at work or in personal life, we shoudl not always go with what most people agree upon but rather evaluate options based on their merit and alignment with our values. The majority may often prefer the path of least resistance which may not always be the best course of action.
Schiller’s statement serves as a reminder that popularity does not validate truth; thus one must exercise independant thought and judgement irrespective of common consensus.