virgin islands scene

We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst.
-- C.S. Lewis
 

 

Saturday, May 6, 2000

Following the crowd

What’s wrong is never made right just because everyone is doing it. A bad idea is not made better just because a lot of people agree with it.

We place a great deal of value on what others do and think, and even more value on what large numbers of others do and think. Yet everyone is capable of being mistaken, even in large numbers. Everyone is capable of being wrong, on a daily basis.

Following the crowd may be comforting, but it is no guarantee of success. A much more reliable strategy for success is to make decisions for yourself.

By all means, stay in touch with what the rest of the world is doing. There are a lot of great ideas out there. If something is popular, it probably has merit. At the same time, think for yourself. You have a wonderfully powerful mind. Make use of it. Take it all in, and make your own decisions. Rather than just going along, put some real effort into getting ahead. And you will.

— Ralph Marston

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