Were the judgments of mankind correct, custom would be regulated by the good. But it is often far otherwise in point of fact; for, whatever the many are seen to do, forthwith obtains the force of custom. But human affairs have scarcely ever been so happily constituted as that the better course pleased the greater number. Hence the private vices of the multitude have generally resulted in public error, or rather that common consent in vice which these worthy men would have to be law. .John Calvin
About This Quote
The world is full of examples in which the good are easily governed by the many. But in the real world there are exceptions to this rule. Many people think that if everyone did what they wanted it would be wrong, but that is rarely the case. What is true of individuals is also true of governments.
It can be difficult to change human behavior, but if you attempt to do so only the few act appropriately. The notion of doing what is right by most people makes sense when looking at government. If everyone acted like the majority, most people would act correctly, which would cause society to work well.
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