their views in spite of evidence. In general, though, Peirce rejects this idea as of any benefit and says in practice it is unlikely to succeed. We have a social impulse which is against its success because we do care what others think and are certain to hear it.
Thus, belief can be and is maintained by the creation of institutions in society which act to sustain belief. This has long been a major means of upholding correct theological and political ideas. Peirce says no institution can control the flow of opinion on every subject. Institutions can only cope with the most important opinions in this way. However, there is no institution which can regulate opinion on every subject, and since only the most important can be addressed in this way, human minds must be left to consider the rest through natural causes. Peirce sees this as an imperfection which is no problem so long as members of society are "in su
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