“[And do not respond to a grievance] by yielding to the majority to pervert [the law]” (Shemos 23:2)
“The Chofetz Chaim explained that one should yield to the majority’s ruling in a matter that could be interpreted in two ways whereas clear-cut issues are never subject to the prevailing opinion. Thus with regard to something like emunah people should never make decisions based on popular opinion.
The sefer Otzar Hachaim brings a story about Rabbi Yitzchak ztz”l (the Baal Shem of Michelstadt) a renowned child prodigy. Upon hearing of his brilliance the local duke invited the child to visit his massive castle full of halls rooms and passageways.
The nine-year-old arrived at the castle alone and began to search for the duke. He could not find anyone to direct him as the duke had warned his many servants and attendants to make themselves scarce. The intelligent boy however looked around and realized that the windows of every room were open except for one whose curtain was drawn. This was clearly the duke’s room so he knocked on the door and entered.
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