Full Idea
It is possible that the many, not one of whom taken singly is a sound man, may yet, taken all together, be better than the few, not individually but collectively.
Gist of Idea
The many may add up to something good, even if they are inferior as individuals
Source
Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1281b01)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Sinclair,T.A. /Saunders,T. [Penguin 1992], p.202
A Reaction
They may also crush everything that is good, if the many are gripped by absurd ideas (which they often are). Computer programmers are a good advert for this idea.