The principle of social proof says so: The greater the number of people who find any idea correct, the more the idea will be correct. - Robert B. Cialdini

the correctness of an action was not adjudged by such considerations as apparent senselessness, harmfulness, injustice, or usual moral standards, but by the mere command of a higher authority.

He who wants to persuade should put his trust not in the right argument, but in the right word. —

it will be when prestige (both public and private) is low that we will be intent upon using the successes of associated others to help restore image.