We’re living in interesting times with the Coronavirus lockdowns and the George Floyd incident. Many of my rational friends have discussed why many irrational things are happening — the widespread hatred against the Government and the looting and violent police response during the protests.
In trying to unpack these irrational events, I was reminded of a book given to me by my friend VC ~ Vinod Chandrashekar.
Something cool from The Crowd by Gustave Le Bon
Characteristics of a crowd
When a crowd gathers for some purpose, certain new psychological characteristics emerge.
First, being anonymous in a crowd makes one loose their sense of accountability and responsibility, giving a sense of being invincible
Second, every sentiment and action is contagious within the crowd
Third, each individual’s cognitive ability degrades, and their decisions are driven by the spinal cord and not the cortex
This always makes a crowd intellectually inferior to the isolated individual.
Taking advantage of a crowd
Someone wishing to take advantage of a crowd must repeat radical affirmations, and never attempt to prove anything by reasoning.
Crowds respond to striking images only. A hundred small crimes/accidents will not strike the imagination of crowds, whereas a single graphic of a crime/accident will profoundly impress them. Statesmen notoriously infuse words with images and give new meanings to these words.
And finally, crowds need a master. Whoever can supply crowds with these illusions is easily their master, and whoever attempts to destroy their illusion is always their victim.
And the kicker — all orators and leaders and the media are trained to take advantage of crowds, through formal education or apprenticeship. They have studied and practiced how to manipulate crowds like one studies and practices any subject.
Now, isn’t that cool ?
So, remember these insights during your next discussion with friends. More importantly, remember these insights if you ever want to lead crowds. But most importantly, will you remember these insights if you are part of a crowd?