“In any great organization it is far, far safer to be wrong with the majority than to be right alone.”
What this quote means
Galbraith highlights the social pressure within organizations: it is often more comfortable to conform to the majority, even if it is wrong, than to defend a solitary opinion. This cynical but realistic observation underscores the courage needed to think for oneself. It applies in the professional world, where innovation and truth sometimes require opposing the consensus.
How to apply it daily
In a meeting, if you have a divergent opinion, express it respectfully, even if you are alone. Your courage might inspire others.
Continue
Related quotes
Same author or same theme — keep reading.
“The real price of everything, what everything really costs to the man who wants to acquire it, is the toil and trouble of acquiring it.”Create visual
“It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.”Create visual
“The propensity to truck, barter and exchange one thing for another is common to all men, and to be found in no other race of animals.”Create visual
“An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.”Create visual
“The best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes.”Create visual
“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”Create visual