Friedrich Nietzsche
The Argument of Isolation
The reproach of conscience, even in the most conscientious is weak compared to the feeling: "This and that are contrary to the good morals of your society." A cold glance or a sneer on the face of those among whom and for whom one has been educated, is still feared even by the strongest. What is really feared here? Isolation! This is the argument which demolishes even the best arguments for a person or cause! It is thus that the herd instinct speaks in us.