Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c144IR // #c144Synthesis

clearly it is the intelligent minorities which need to make use of propaganda continuously and systematically. In the active proselytizing minorities in whom selfish interests and public interests coincide lie the progress and development of America. Only through the active energy of the intelligent few can the public at large become aware of and act upon new ideas. Small groups of persons can, and do, make the rest of us think what they please about a given subject.

— In our words · Source: Propaganda (Edward L. Bernays)

[Use when]

When a fringe idea goes mainstream overnight.

[Why it matters]

Bernays’s open claim: progress comes from small groups making the rest think what they please; minorities use propaganda continuously.

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