The idiom “Voice of the people is the voice of God” means that the opinion or will of the public holds great importance and is considered as sacred or truthful. It highlights the idea that when the majority of people express their thoughts or desires, it should be respected as a reflection of a higher moral authority or divine will. The phrase underscores the power and significance of collective human opinion in shaping decisions, especially in matters of governance and societal progress.
Meaning:
The idiom suggests that public opinion is sacred and divinely inspired. It implies that the majority’s voice, representing the people, should be valued and given the utmost importance, as it is believed to reflect truth and righteousness. The phrase is often used in contexts where the public’s desire or choice is taken as a guiding principle for making decisions or for giving direction to policies, especially in democracies.
Used When:
- When emphasizing that the majority’s opinion or public sentiment should be considered when making important decisions.
- To convey that democracy and public choice carry divine weight or moral righteousness, reinforcing the idea that the people’s will is paramount.
- In political or social discourse, when there is a need to highlight the importance of listening to and respecting public voices.
Implied Message:
The idiom emphasizes that public opinion is not just a statistic but is seen as a reflection of a collective conscience that holds moral value. The message suggests that any attempt to ignore or suppress the voice of the people is against the natural order or divine will. It advocates for democratic principles where people have the right to express their views and influence outcomes.
Hindi Equivalent:
“जनता की आवाज, भगवान की आवाज”
This Hindi version expresses the same idea of giving significant importance to the voice of the people, akin to the divine will or authority.
Detailed Explanation
The idiom “Voice of the people is the voice of God” can be traced back to political thought and the belief that the collective wisdom of the people represents the most righteous course of action. Historically, it has been used to emphasize that public opinion in democratic societies is a powerful and important force. It signifies that people, being part of the larger whole, have a right to express their views, and their unified voice should lead the decision-making process.
This idiom is often invoked in times of elections, referendums, or public protests when large groups of people come together to express their collective opinion or demand change. It reflects the divine or moral legitimacy of collective action, reinforcing the idea that governments and rulers should act in accordance with the will of the people.
For example, when people demand social justice, equality, or freedom, their voice is seen as a higher moral call, and those in power are expected to listen and act in a way that aligns with the needs of the people.
Example Sentences:
English: “In a democracy, the voice of the people is the voice of God, as it is the people’s will that shapes the future of the nation.”
Hindi: “लोकतंत्र में जनता की आवाज, भगवान की आवाज होती है, क्योंकि यह जनता की इच्छा है जो देश के भविष्य को आकार देती है।”
English: “The protests were a clear reminder that the voice of the people is the voice of God, and it is time for the government to heed their demands.”
Hindi: “प्रदर्शन एक स्पष्ट याददिहानी थी कि जनता की आवाज, भगवान की आवाज है, और अब सरकार के लिए समय है कि वह उनके आक्रोश को सुने।”
Key Takeaways:
- The idiom “Voice of the people is the voice of God” asserts the importance of public opinion and collective will in shaping decisions that affect society, governance, or the future of a nation.
- It reflects the moral authority or divine nature of the people’s desires, making it a powerful reminder that democracy should be based on listening to the masses.
- This idiom highlights the notion that democratic values are inherently tied to righteousness, and the will of the people is considered the guiding principle.
Origin of the Idiom:
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to democratic and philosophical principles that regard popular sovereignty as a form of divine approval. It reflects a deep-rooted belief that those in power are meant to serve the common people, and the people’s voice must not only be heard but also respected, as it aligns with a higher moral order or divine justice. While the idiom has political connotations, it is also used to highlight moral responsibility in listening to others.
Real-World Examples:
In Politics:
English: “During the election season, it’s clear that the voice of the people is the voice of God, as politicians must align with the desires of the voters to succeed.”
Hindi: “चुनावों के दौरान यह स्पष्ट है कि जनता की आवाज, भगवान की आवाज होती है, क्योंकि राजनेताओं को सफलता पाने के लिए मतदाताओं की इच्छाओं के साथ जुड़ना चाहिए।”
In Social Movements:
English: “When people demand change for justice, their collective voice is the true reflection of what is right, for the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
Hindi: “जब लोग न्याय के लिए बदलाव की मांग करते हैं, तो उनकी सामूहिक आवाज वही है जो सही है, क्योंकि जनता की आवाज, भगवान की आवाज है।”
When to Use the Idiom:
- When emphasizing the importance of public opinion or majority consensus in a democratic setup.
- In political contexts or discussions, to stress that the will of the people is a reflection of a higher moral authority or divine right.
- To remind others that, in any society, the people’s voice carries moral weight and should guide the actions of leaders and lawmakers.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you believe that the voice of the people is truly divine or infallible? Why or why not?
- How can we ensure that the voice of the people is heard and respected in today’s society?
- In what ways do you think public opinion shapes the future of a nation or society?
Similar Expressions
| English Idiom | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|
| The will of the people is supreme | जनता की इच्छा सर्वोपरि है |
| People power | जनता की ताकत |
| Democracy reflects the people’s voice | लोकतंत्र जनता की आवाज को दर्शाता है |
| Majority rules | बहुमत का निर्णय |
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