The general interest of the masses might take the place of the insight of genius if it were allowed freedom of action.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The masses could replace genius if they were free to act.
- In plain terms
- If people were free, the many could do what only geniuses do now.
- What can you take from it?
- Freedom allows ordinary people to achieve great things.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What stops people from achieving their potential?
- Is genius rare or suppressed?
Another view
It assumes freedom alone guarantees excellence, ignoring other barriers.
More from Denis Diderot
The possibility of divorce renders both marriage partners stricter in their observance of the duties they owe to each other. Divorces help to improve morals an…
Permalink to quote #72 The decisions of law courts should never be printed: in the long run, they form a counterauthority to the law.
Permalink to quote #74 Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.
Permalink to quote #71
Related quotes
When we come to it We, this people, on this wayward, floating body Created on this earth, of this earth Have the power to fashion for this earth A climate wher…
Maya AngelouMaya Angelou quote #11 It was a world which granted privileges to some and imposed prohibitions on others...Endowed with strength and eager to learn, one had to drag himself in a nar…
Jose RizalJose Rizal quote #14 Despotism may govern without faith, but Liberty cannot.
Alexis de TocquevilleAlexis de Tocqueville quote #16