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About this quote

What does it mean?
Twain suggests that minority opinions often hold truth while majority views may be mistaken.
In plain terms
Small groups are often right when most people are wrong.
What can you take from it?
Question majority consensus.

Where it applies

  • debating politics
  • scientific inquiry
  • social reform

Putting it to work

  • listen to dissenting voices
  • challenge popular opinion

Questions to consider

  • When does the minority win?
  • Why do crowds go wrong?

Another view

Majorities are often correct on practical matters of safety and consensus.

More from Mark Twain

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  2. There are three kinds of lies - Lies, damned lies, and statistics.

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