This made sense in Star Trek 2 Wrath of Kahn. But in the context of this movie. It makes zero sense. The Humans are the Many and the Autobot/Decepticons are the Few. Its Micheal Bay said. "Please Leonard. Please say your famous line from Star Trek 2. It would be so cool."
shareIt was just a little reference to Wrath of Khan.
It should have made you think about context. "The needs of the many..." is all well and good when "the one" is being altruistic. The quote has all new meaning when "the many" use it as a justification to sacrifice others.
shareThe many = Decepticons
The few= Autobots
The pillars were originally meant to serve the needs of the autobots, hence "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."