The Crowd

Gustave Le Bon's exploration of social psychology reveals how individuals in crowds become susceptible to manipulation, often losing their personal beliefs and morals. He argues that the masses prefer comforting illusions over harsh truths, allowing those who can create these illusions to dominate. First published in 1896, this influential work has shaped the strategies of various political leaders throughout the 20th century, highlighting the psychological dynamics of group behavior and the vulnerability of the individual within the collective.