I do not believe the common people understand it, in fact, I know that they do not understand it; but
whoever waited for the common people when a great move was to be made. We must make the move and force them to follow. This is the way of all revolutions and all great achievements, and he who waits until the mind of every body is made up will wait forever and never do any thing.
- Alfred P. Aldrich, South Carolina state legislator, November 25, 1860
Source:
http://books.google.com/books?id=tNSWwZKpGUIC&pg=PA87&lpg=PA87