“Do not trust the cheering, for those persons would shout as much if you or I were going to be hanged.”
- April 25, 1599 – September 3, 1658
- English
- Military and Political Leader, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland
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Quote
“Do not trust the cheering, for those persons would shout as much if you or I were going to be hanged.”
Explanation
This quote is a cynical warning about the fickleness of public opinion. Cromwell suggests that the same crowd that cheers your success today may just as readily celebrate your downfall tomorrow. The cheering is not necessarily rooted in loyalty or understanding, but in spectacle and emotion. The quote implies that true support is rare, and that leaders must not be deceived by popular acclaim.
Cromwell’s life was filled with both adulation and fierce opposition. As Lord Protector, he was hailed as a hero by some and hated as a tyrant by others. His rise and fall taught him that crowd approval is unstable and often self-serving. This sentiment echoes classical warnings—from Roman history, for instance—about the dangers of seeking validation from the masses. For Cromwell, such cheering was no guarantee of virtue, justice, or lasting support.
In a modern context, the quote resonates with the experiences of public figures in politics, entertainment, or business. Social media applause can turn instantly to outrage, and popularity is often driven by trend, not principle. This quote reminds us that external praise should never be mistaken for enduring trust or moral affirmation—and that leaders must ground themselves in conviction, not applause.
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