Opinions and beliefs

Author: Gustave Le Bon Publisher: Asir Al-Kutub Number of pages: 335 The book details the relationship between a person and the belief and opinion they hold; throughout nine chapters, the author raises questions that unfold with attempts to answer them; he clarifies the differences between opinions and beliefs on one hand, and knowledge on the other, in addition to explaining the mechanisms and manifestations of influence by opinion and belief, whether through psychological impact or expected pleasure. The book also explains the types of instincts and what drives us toward our beliefs and opinions, detailing the workings of these drivers, the reasons for clashes and conflicts among them within societies, and mechanisms for reconciliation as well. It clarifies the concept of individual opinion, illustrating the manifestations of privacy from one person to another, and the specific influences on the individual in this matter. Then, it discusses the same issues in the opinions of groups, before moving on to explain the mechanisms of opinion transmission and dissemination, and the means used to promote opinions and beliefs in societies. Finally, it presents experimental discussions on the formation of beliefs and the subconscious events that arise from them.