“Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus.”
- October 13, 1925 – April 8, 2013
- British
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Politician, “The Iron Lady”
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Quote
“Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus.”
Explanation
In this quote, Margaret Thatcher critiques the rigidity of popular opinion, particularly when it becomes a widely accepted but unexamined belief. By describing such a consensus as “fashionable,” she suggests it is driven more by trend or social conformity than by logic or truth. The term “obstinate” highlights that once these views take hold, they become resistant to challenge or change, even in the face of evidence or reasoned argument.
Thatcher often positioned herself against the prevailing political and intellectual orthodoxies of her time, whether in relation to economic policy, foreign affairs, or social welfare. This quote reflects her skepticism toward ideas that are accepted simply because they are popular, not because they are correct. She believed that true leadership requires the courage to question comfortable assumptions, even at the cost of public approval.
Today, the quote serves as a timeless caution against groupthink and intellectual complacency, particularly in media, politics, and academia. When consensus becomes fashionable, it can silence dissent and hinder innovation, creating an environment where critical thinking is stifled. Thatcher’s words encourage leaders and citizens alike to think independently and stand firm against prevailing opinions when conscience and reason demand it.
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