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About this quote

What does it mean?
Personal opinions from the public hold no value to the speaker.
In plain terms
I do not care about what others think.
What can you take from it?
Ignore public opinion if it lacks merit.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • leadership
  • personal decision making

Putting it to work

  • staying true to personal convictions
  • ignoring criticism
  • leadership communication

Questions to consider

  • When is ignoring public opinion wise?
  • Does this show confidence or arrogance?

Another view

Public opinion can sometimes reflect valid community concerns worth considering.

More from Thomas Paine

  1. He who dares not offend cannot be honest.

    Permalink to quote #54

  2. It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.

    Permalink to quote #56

  3. Christianity is the strangest religion ever set up, for it committed a murder upon Jesus in order to redeem mankind from the sin of eating an apple.

    Permalink to quote #53

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