‘WISE’
Wisdom and truth are rarely popular.
What is popular is rarely wise and true.
Let me state the words of wisdom from the stoic philosopher Seneca about the relationship between popularity and propriety.
"I have never wished to cater to the crowd; for what I know, they do not approve, and what they approve, I do not know."
It takes trickery to win popular approval; and you must needs make yourself like unto them; they will withhold their approval if they do not recognize you as one of themselves. However, what you think of yourself is much more to the point than what others think of you. The favor of ignoble men can be won only by ignoble means.
… if I see you applauded by popular acclamation, if your entrance upon the scene is greeted by a roar of cheering and clapping, marks of distinction meet only for actors, – if the whole state, even the women and children, sing your praises, how can I help pitying you? For I know what pathway leads to such popularity.
I fully concur and endorse every word of Seneca.
Most people in the world are neither capable of nor interested in knowing the truth.
They lack the vision of life and seek instant gratification.
They clamour for lies that are pleasing to them rather than truth that is bitter to them.
They themselves support the wrong people and wrong ideas and then they criticize the very same person and ideas when that results into great miseries for them, rather than blaming themselves for their choices and learn some lessons from their mistakes.
Please read the following anecdote to understand this mystery.
Polyclitus of Sicyon, a famous sculptor, once worked at the same time on two similar statues, one in public and one in secret. For the later he consulted only his genius but for the former he accepted every bit of advice and would make every little adjustment or touch-up that his critics suggested.
After finishing both statues, he exhibited both statues in public, side by side. One statue was criticized, but that had been the fruit of his genius was extolled endlessly.
“Athenians”, said Polyclitus, ‘the statue you criticize is your work, and the one you so admire is mine.” [1]
If you have even the slightest desire to follow truth and acquire wisdom, learn to challenge the popular opinion rather than follow them because what is popular is rarely right.
Footnotes
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