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About this quote

What does it mean?
Cromwell notes that hypocritical crowds would cheer even if they were the ones facing execution.
In plain terms
He says the same people who shout now would cheer if you and he were being put to death.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of public opinion that lacks consistency or genuine principle.

Where it applies

  • political rallies
  • public judgment
  • mob dynamics

Putting it to work

  • question crowd motives
  • do not rely on popularity

Questions to consider

  • How reliable is public opinion?
  • When does crowd behavior become dangerous?

Another view

This view can lead to cynicism and disengagement from civic life.

More from Oliver Cromwell

  1. This is a righteous judgement of God upon these barbarous wretches, who have imbrued their hands in so much innocent blood.

    Permalink to quote #16
  2. I need pity. I know what I feel. Great place and business in the world is not worth looking after.

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. If we do not depart from God, and disunite by that departure, and fall into disunion among ourselves, I am confident, we doing our duty and waiting upon the Lo…

    Permalink to quote #15

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