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The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd ; indeed, in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible.
Source: Marriage and Morals, 1929, by Bertrand Russell
More info.: https://russell-j.com/beginner/MM05-100.HTM
a brief comment
Politicians cannot gain the support of the masses if they use words that disparage them. Therefore, even politicians who privately look down on the masses will not use language that directly criticizes them if they are seeking power. In fact, even if a politician does despise the masses, they cannot become a leader unless they are able to make many people feel, "I am not the target."
This becomes clear when we look at those who support or admire Nietzsche. There are many Nietzsche fans in Japan, and books such as Super-Translation: Words of Nietzsche (translated by Haruhiko Shiratori, Discover Twenty-One, 2010) reportedly sold 1.88 million copies as of 2017. While the exact current figure is unknown, it is possible that it has reached around three million copies.
Nevertheless, many readers seem to interpret the following statements, which appear to disparage the masses, as referring to others rather than themselves. Since a book cannot sell unless many readers misinterpret or misunderstand it in this way, publishers also play a role -- albeit unintentionally -- in reinforcing such misunderstandings. In this sense, such publishers might themselves be subject to Nietzsche's criticism. (laughs)
"The majority are nothing but a herd of sheep." (Beyond Good and Evil)
"The masses always follow their lowest instincts and mistake their ignorance for virtue." (Human, All Too Human)
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