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Plato would have us consider how easily the best natures are

overpowered by public opinion, and what efforts the rest of

mankind will make to get possession of them. The world, the

church, their own profession, any political or party

organization, are always carrying them off their legs and

teaching them to apply high and holy names to their own

prejudices and interests. The 'monster' corporation to which they

belong judges right and truth to be the pleasure of the

community. The individual becomes one with his order; or, if he

resists, the world is too much for him, and will sooner or later

be revenged on him. This is, perhaps, a one-sided but not wholly

untrue picture of the maxims and practice of mankind when they

'sit down together at an assembly,' either in ancient or modern

times.