The influence of the leaders is due in very small measure to the arguments they employ, but in a large degree to their prestige. The best proof of this is that, should they by any circumstance lose their prestige, their influence disappears.

The art of those who govern consists above all in the science of employing words.

The precise moment at which a great belief is doomed is easily recognisable; it is the moment when its value begins to be called in question.

Crowds are somewhat like the sphinx of ancient fable: It is necessary to arrive at a solution of the problems offered by their psychology or to resign ourselves to being devoured by them.

The masses have never thirsted after truth. Whoever can supply them with illusions is easily their master; whoever attempts to destroy their illusions is always their victim.

Are the worst enemies of society those who attack it or those who do not even give themselves the trouble of defending it?

Crowds are influenced mainly by images produced by the judicious employment of words and formulas