The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar

The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar

Niccolò Machiavelli, the renowned Italian philosopher and political theorist, is often quoted as saying, "The vulgar crowd always is taken by appearances, and the world consists chiefly of the vulgar." This statement reflects Machiavelli's belief in the power of perception and the importance of understanding human nature in the context of politics and leadership.

Machiavelli's observation about the "vulgar crowd" being swayed by appearances speaks to the idea that people are easily influenced by what they see and hear, rather than by deeper truths or realities. In the realm of politics, this can be a dangerous phenomenon, as leaders who are skilled at manipulating appearances can often deceive the public and maintain power through deception and manipulation.

Machiavelli's assertion that the world consists chiefly of the vulgar suggests that the majority of people are easily swayed by superficial qualities and are not able to see beyond the surface to discern the true motives and intentions of those in power. This can lead to a society that is easily controlled by those who are adept at manipulating appearances and exploiting the weaknesses of the masses.