“The successful politician owes his power to the fact that he moves within the accepted framework of thought, that he thinks and talks conventionally. It would be almost a contradiction in terms for a politician to be a leader in the field of ideas. His task in a democracy is to find out what the opinions held by the largest number are, not to give currency to new opinions which may become the majority view in some distant future.” ThinkingGivingMayIdeasFactsWould BeMovingPoliticsTermViewsNumbersLeaderOpinionPowerDemocracySuccessfulFieldsPoliticianTasksMajorityAcceptedContradictionCurrencyFramework Author:Friedrich August von Hayek
“Whatever may be the temporary applause of men, or the expressions of public opinion, it may be asserted without fear of contradiction, that no true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.” MenMayOpinionMankindExpressionFameLaborPermanentContradictionTemporaryPublic OpinionApplause Book:Orations and Speeches [1845-1850] Source: Orations and Speeches [1845-1850]
“It seems certain, that though a man, in a flush of humour, after intense reflection on the many contradictions and imperfections of human reason, may entirely renounce all belief and opinion, it is impossible for him to persevere in this total scepticism, or make it appear in his conduct for a few hours.” MenHumansMayReasonSeemsCertainBeliefHoursOpinionImpossibleHumourHe ManReflectionIntenseContradictionImperfectionSkepticismPersevereRenounceScepticismHuman Reason Book:An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding Source: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding