The Economic Times

Quote of the day by David Hume: 'Nothing is more surprising than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few...' - Why people accept authority of others on them explained by Scottish philosopher

David Humes famous quote, Nothing is more surprising than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few, explores why a small group of people can hold power over millions. In his essay Of the First Principles of Government, the Scottish philosopher argued that political authority depends largely on public opinion, people's belief in the legitimacy of rulers and their trust in established institutions.