“In almost every act of our lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business or in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires that control the public mind.”

Very, very sad while being way to accurate. By example: look how many socialists there are (communists to fascists, progressives to neocons, etc.). 

He aint lyin: the first place the owners of civilization possess is the common persons mind.

Interesting that in Bernays time 'propaganda' and 'public relations' were synonyms.  That's why we still remember every fast-food jingle we ever heard, even 50 years later.  If only the goal were to have us remember the basis of our liberty and rights!  No, every trick in the psycho-politician's book is aimed at the populace to delude them into servitude and civil discord.  They don't call it the boob tube for nothing.  What this really means for the common person is that their opinions and ideas are not their own, they were put there, and they bought 'em, hook, line and sinker.

 Mr Bernays effort is significantly uncoordinated and disconnected, lacking specifics. Children typically like to leave you under mystical eerie delirium. Adults are characteristically coordinated, connected and specific in their  presentations.