<p>Thomas Jefferson believed that the will of majority is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and that the protection of the publics right to free expression is of primary importance in a democracy. However, there are those who look back through the pages of history and note when great changes have occurred in history--particularly when great principles are involvedas a rule the majority are wrong.
Assignment: What is your view of the claim that opinion of the majority is not always right? In your essay support your position by discussing an example (or examples) from literature, the arts, science and technology, history, current events, or your own experience and observation.</p>
<p>Essay:
I agree with the claim that the opinion of the majority is not always right. Just because a majoritys opinion is the opinion of more people does not mean that the majority is always right. History and our present, both, bear witness to this fact every day. The formation of Pakistan and the invention of a new way to detect pancreatic cancer are examples that corroborate my viewpoint.
Back in the 1940s, the Indian sub-continent had a clear majority of Hindus compared to Muslims. Hindus and Muslims had never got to get along nicely and innocent blood was shed in meaningless feuds. The British, about to leave the Indian sub-continent, conducted a nationwide poll to decide whether to divide the Indian sub-continent or not. Even though the majority was against the partition, British still partitioned the Indian sub-continent. The British realized that if they did not divide the Indian sub-continent, the two nations will continue to fight for years. I have no doubt that most people will justify this act and consider this a wise action for the sake of peace and harmony.
Recently, the uncle of John Alan, a precocious teenager died from pancreatic cancer. Realizing that all the traditional ways to detect pancreatic cancer were a mere 10% efficient and did not detect the cancer in its early stages, John devised a way of this cancers detection. He sent his theory and thesis to about 100 professors for support. All, except one, refused, claiming that the new method was naive and immature. John worked with this professor for months and came up with a marketable way of detecting pancreatic cancer which is 90% accurate, 400% cheaper and detects pancreatic cancer at its early stages. This is a clear example that enlightens the fact the majorities are not necessarily always right.</p>