A Tömegek Lélektana

A scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book investigates the psychology of crowds, emphasizing how individual behavior transforms when individuals unite as a collective. Le Bon explores the emerging influence of masses on societal structures, revealing concerns about their often irrational and destructive tendencies. The opening of the work sets the tone for an in-depth exploration of mass psychology. Le Bon introduces the concept of the ''collective soul'' of a crowd, noting that individuals dissolve their personal identity in favor of a shared emotional state. He argues that this collective psyche can lead to irresponsible actions, emphasizing the role of unconscious motivations and the impact of emotional contagion. The author also highlights the changing dynamics of modern society, where traditional authority is increasingly supplanted by the power of the masses, suggesting that contemporary civilization is on the brink of significant transformation due to this shift.