The public buys its opinions as it buys its meat, or takes in its milk, on the principle that it is cheaper to do this than to keep a cow. So it is, but the milk is more likely to be watered. – Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912

We submit to the majority because we have to. But we are not compelled to call our attitude of subjection a posture of respect. – Ambrose Bierce, Epigrams

Life presents you with but two avenues — you can either run with the mob or from it. – Martin H. Fischer (1879–1962)

Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago. – Bernard Berenson, Notebook, 1892