Public Opinion — Chapter XIV Yes or No

1. 1. Symbols have no inherent power; their influence comes solely from association in the human mind.
2. 2. Symbols must be introduced by strategically placed people at opportune moments to take root; otherwise they are meaningless.
3. 3. People choose between trustworthy and untrustworthy reporters, not between true and false accounts, when facts are out of sight.
4. 4. Complete independence is unthinkable; even a hermit accepts a vast body of acquired knowledge without question.
5. 5. Every institution that requires cooperation has a hierarchy or machine, regardless of democratic ideals.
6. 6. The machine exists not due to human perversity but because no common idea emerges spontaneously from a group.
7. 7. The limit of direct action is the power to say Yes or No on an issue presented to the mass.
8. 8. A small number of heads present a choice to a large group; this is essential for any cooperative action.
9. 9. Direct legislation is a misnomer; voters can only say Yes or No to pre-formed measures, not legislate themselves.