Margaret Thatcher: 'Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus.'

Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus.

In the realm of politics and public opinion, Margaret Thatcher once famously noted, "Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus." At first glance, this quote might seem relatively straightforward, asserting that widely accepted ideas or beliefs are often the most difficult to change or challenge. However, digging deeper, one can uncover a more profound and philosophical concept that adds intrigue to Thatcher's statement.To summarize the quote, Thatcher implies that fashionable consensus, referring to prevailing trends or widely accepted opinions, can be incredibly stubborn and resistant to change. This obstinacy arises from the collective validation and reinforcement that people within a society provide one another when aligning with the consensus. It is easier to go along with popular opinion than to question or confront it. Consequently, this shared validation strengthens the consensus, making it increasingly impervious to dissent or alternative viewpoints.This notion holds significant importance in various aspects of life, especially in the realm of political or social movements. When a fashionable consensus emerges, it tends to dominate society's narrative and shape public policies. Yet, Thatcher's quote encourages individuals to critically examine and challenge these consensuses to ensure intellectual diversity and progress.To add an unexpected philosophical twist, let us explore the concept of consensus reality, a term coined by philosopher and psychologist Ernst von Glasersfeld. Consensus reality suggests that what we perceive as reality is merely a shared illusion—a construct created through the collective agreement of individuals. In other words, our reality is shaped by the consensus of what we collectively perceive and accept as true.Drawing a parallel to Thatcher's quote, one realizes that fashionable consensuses can play a significant role in shaping our consensus reality. When influential figures, media outlets, and peers continually reinforce a particular narrative, it becomes deeply ingrained within our perception of reality. This can create a sort of intellectual inertia that hinders the acceptance of alternative perspectives or viewpoints.Comparing and contrasting these ideas, Thatcher's quote focuses on challenging fashionable consensuses, while consensus reality emphasizes the role of such consensuses in shaping our perception of reality. Both concepts push us to question the dominant narratives and seek a broader understanding of truth.While Thatcher's quote encourages us to challenge fashionable consensuses, consensus reality cautions against blindly accepting these constructs as the ultimate truth. Both philosophies ultimately share the belief that we should seek truth and progress by independently evaluating the prevailing opinions and narratives.In essence, Thatcher's quote reminds us to adopt a critical and questioning mindset when faced with fashionable consensuses. It urges us to resist the temptation of conformity and instead stimulate intellectual diversity by considering alternative viewpoints. By doing so, we can contribute to the evolution of consensus reality and foster a society that continuously challenges and explores new ideas.In conclusion, Margaret Thatcher's statement, "Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus," encapsulates the inherent difficulty in challenging widely accepted ideas. It serves as a call to stay vigilant and avoid falling prey to intellectual inertia. By embracing the unexpected philosophical concept of consensus reality, we are reminded of the importance of critically evaluating prevailing narratives and seeking out alternative perspectives. Through this constant quest for intellectual diversity, we can contribute to a society that is open to change, growth, and progress.