I can't help feeling wary when I hear anything said about the masses. First you take their faces from 'em by calling 'em the masses and then you accuse 'em of not having any faces.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker warns against dehumanizing large groups of people by labeling them collectively, which leads to unfair accusations.
- In plain terms
- Calling people a mass takes away their individuality and invites blame.
- What can you take from it?
- Treat individuals as individuals, not as a faceless group.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does language shape our view of groups?
- When do we stop seeing individuals?
Another view
The quote simplifies complex group dynamics.
More from J. B. Priestley
Our great-grand-children, when they learn how we began this war by snatching glory out of defeat, and then swept on to victory, may also learn how the little h…
Permalink to quote #2 It is hard to tell where the MCC ends and the Church of England begins.
Permalink to quote #4 Living in age of advertisement, we are perpetually disillusioned. The perfect life is spread before us every day, but it changes and withers at a touch.
Permalink to quote #1
Related quotes
How did Memogate get a 'gate'? How did Nipplegate get a 'gate'? We invaded a country with the wrong information, and Janet Jackson's tit got a 'gate'. Who give…
Jon StewartJon Stewart quote #17 I have to say this in defense of humankind: No matter in what era in history, including the Garden of Eden, everybody just got there. And, except for the Garde…
Kurt VonnegutKurt Vonnegut quote #181 I speak an open and disinterested language, dictated by no passion but that of humanity. To me, who have not only refused offers, because I thought them improp…
Thomas PaineThomas Paine quote #1