The psychology of the crowds | Gustave Le Bon

The importance of the book "The Psychology of Crowds" lies in it being one of the advanced social studies that concerned itself with studying the psychological characteristics of crowds. It presents a controversial hypothesis that crowds do not overthrow the dictator due to his political tyranny, but because he no longer appears strong in their eyes, and they try to replace him with another dictator who ignites their enthusiasm. As Lombon says: "Crowds today burn their old gods and change their ideas as they change their clothes!!" The book can be considered a study of the psychology of peoples when they decide to revolt against their rulers, which gives it great importance at the present time, when many countries are witnessing revolutions and large movements that must be understood in terms of their causes and motives. Although crowds are subjected to ignorance, neglect, starvation, repression, or manipulation, they remain a difficult number and an important party in the equation, so it is necessary to understand them both for rulers and for the individual belonging to these crowds. The individual, apart from the crowds, is a person with his own mentality, independent will, and is responsible for his actions, but when he joins the masses, he will be directed away from his individual desires and personal traits, and he will not be allowed to think about what is happening. After reading the book, you will understand why figures like Lenin, Hitler, Mussolini, and others succeeded in taking power in their countries! It is the very emotional and irrational psychology of the crowds, where it only takes someone to deliver a speech that ignites their feelings to win their favor and rule them with absolute authority.