more on this theme | more from this thinker
Full Idea
In matters beyond the reach of common understanding, the many are led by the few, and willingly yield to their authority. But, in matters of common sense, the few must yield to the many, when local and temporary prejudices are removed.
Gist of Idea
In obscure matters the few must lead the many, but the many usually lead in common sense
Source
Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 6: Judgement [1785], 4)
Book Ref
Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.259
A Reaction
Wishful thinking in the 21st century, when the many routinely deny the authority of the expert few, and the expert few occasionally prove that the collective common sense of the many is delusional. I still sort of agree with Reid.
| 23653 | If you can't distinguish the features of a complex object, your notion of it would be a muddle [Reid] |
| 23655 | An ad hominem argument is good, if it is shown that the man's principles are inconsistent [Reid] |
| 23654 | In obscure matters the few must lead the many, but the many usually lead in common sense [Reid] |
| 23656 | The structure of languages reveals a uniformity in basic human opinions [Reid] |
| 23657 | The existence of tensed verbs shows that not all truths are necessary truths [Reid] |
| 23660 | The theory of ideas, popular with philosophers, means past existence has to be proved [Reid] |
| 23658 | Consciousness is an indefinable and unique operation [Reid] |
| 23659 | If someone denies that he is thinking when he is conscious of it, we can only laugh [Reid] |
| 23662 | The existence of ideas is no more obvious than the existence of external objects [Reid] |
| 23661 | We are only aware of other beings through our senses; without that, we are alone in the universe [Reid] |
| 23663 | There are axioms of taste - such as a general consensus about a beautiful face [Reid] |