Meaning & Analysis
The proverb literally means that in any vote or collective decision, the opinion held by the majority of people will prevail and determine the final outcome.
Insights
Power of Public Opinion
The proverb metaphorically describes the power of public opinion or social consensus. An idea or belief becomes accepted as truth or the norm simply because it is endorsed by the majority, regardless of its objective validity.
Legitimacy Through Consensus
It illustrates the principle that legitimacy is derived from collective consent. An action, law, or leader is considered valid and authoritative because it is supported by the greater number of people.
Social Pressure and Conformity
The proverb can be interpreted as a commentary on social pressure. The dominance of 'most voices' can create a powerful force for conformity, compelling individuals to adopt the majority view and silencing dissenting or unpopular opinions.
Democratic Principle
This proverb encapsulates the foundational principle of majority rule, a concept central to democratic theory and practice. Its appearance in Hobbes's 'Leviathan' anchors it in the philosophical discourse of the social contract, where collective agreement forms the basis of political legitimacy.
The Tyranny of the Majority
While celebrating collective decision-making, the proverb implicitly warns of the 'tyranny of the majority'. It overlooks the potential for the dominant opinion to be misguided or to oppress minority viewpoints, a concern that has been central to political philosophy since antiquity.
Psychology of Conformity
The proverb taps into the psychological phenomenon of social proof, where individuals are more likely to accept an idea if a large number of people already support it. The 'voices' create a sense of authority that can discourage dissent and promote conformity.
Historical Political Shift
The proverb reflects a shift in political consciousness during the 16th and 17th centuries toward popular sovereignty. The emphasis on 'most voices' signifies a move away from absolute monarchy toward a system where collective consent, at least in principle, determines outcomes.
Rhetorical Devices
Synecdoche
The word 'voices' serves as a synecdoche, where a part (the voice) represents the whole (the people, their votes, and their collective will).
Metaphor
The phrase 'carry it' is a concise metaphor for winning a vote, making a decision prevail, or achieving a desired outcome, suggesting momentum and force.
Aphoristic Brevity
The proverb's construction is simple, direct, and declarative, giving it the weight of an indisputable law or a self-evident truth.
Transcription
Quotations
Aemylius triumphe was referred to the most number of voyces of the people.
It goes by most voyces.
It is agreed uppon in open Court by common consent and most voice.
The voyce of the greater number, must be considered as the voyce of them all.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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