On the record
The people were wiser than their leaders,--illustrating again the saying of the French statesman, so experienced in human affairs, that above the wisdom of any individual, however great, is the wisdom of all.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner reflects on the wisdom of the people surpassing that of their leaders, emphasizing collective intelligence.
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Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.
They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
The most distant are not without a present influence on our daily lives.
Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…
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