Part 12/18:
Gustav Labon’s insights are heavily referenced to reveal that crowds possess a collective psyche fundamentally different from that of individuals. Crowds are impulsive, uncritical, and driven by suggestion, repetition, and contagion. They are intolerant of deep responsibility and often yearn for strong leadership, even if that leader is cruel or oppressive. Historically, crowds tend to devolve into tyranny or Caesarism, as their irrational fervor overcomes rational governance.