Gustave Le Bon

France
7 May 1841 // 13 Dec 1931
Sociologist

Masses Prefer Illusion to Truth

The masses have never thirsted after truth. They turn aside from evidence that is not to their taste, preferring to deify error, if error seduces them. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.

Gustave Le Bon, in 'The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind'
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