This book explores some of the common characteristics of mass movements, focusing on the personalities of rabble-rousers caught up in fanaticism. The author's long-term life experience of dealing with the lower class people has made him discover that those who actively participate in mass movements are often frustrated people. They believe that their lives have failed hopelessly, and they long to escape from themselves and seek rebirth. It feels good to entrust their lives to some sacred cause. The uniform collective life buries personal responsibility, fear, and incompetence. Movement leaders deliberately foster a sense of guilt among participants and call for self-sacrifice for salvation.
Since its publication in 1951, "The Fanatic" has been regarded as a classic in the field of social sciences. In a short period of time, it sold more than 500,000 copies and was translated into more than 10 languages. It is a must-read for the political departments of many universities. The book is full of sparks of wisdom and sharp metaphors, and its style is very similar to the essays of French thinkers Montaigne and Pascal. To this day, his good words and aphorisms are still quoted and compiled.
Reader comments
This book is quite in-depth, and it is recommended to read it repeatedly. Although it is based on the theme of groups, it focuses on describing how rulers use group thinking to control them. The author's love for books lasted throughout his life, and his unique philosophical thoughts are outstandingly reflected in the book. He likes She enjoys experiencing life and has accumulated half a lifetime of experience in getting along with others to write this magnificent masterpiece. The content covers all natural manifestations of interpersonal relationships. Madness and imitation are common behaviors in groups. The emergence of leaders in groups is related to the purpose of each era. Their emergence marks Motivating that there has been a gap between the times and thoughts, because the contradictions are growing and new management systems need to be improved, he describes some crazy leaders with unique insights in some groups. Most of them are artists and awakened people who are not willing to let their talents be left out. They are able to organize groups , understand what the group wants and pursues, they are smart, they know how to improve the social environment at that time, they are well aware of the essential problems of society at that time, they are both victims and reformers, they bring confidence to the masses, they innovate a new era.
As the author said, many people who actively participate in mass movements are often frustrated in life. They long to find a sense of rebirth in the collective. This reminds me of the book "The Crowd", both of which provide insightful analyzes of group behavior. Moreover, the author's language is concise and powerful, like the essays of Montaigne and Pascal, full of sparks of wisdom. I think this book is not only suitable for people who are interested in social sciences, but also for everyone who wants to know more about human nature and society.
Silent books are inspiring.
2025/4/13 I just watched Hitler and now I'm watching you.
It's interesting, it's fun to watch
Good
Very good
Strict logic
How similar is this book to The Rabble? People follow the herd mentality.
See a lot of new perspectives
I finished reading it in one sitting. It's great! Gave me a lot of inspiration
This book is quite in-depth, and it is recommended to read it repeatedly. Although it is based on the theme of groups, it focuses on describing how rulers use group thinking to control them. The author's love for books lasted throughout his life, and his unique philosophical thoughts are outstandingly reflected in the book. He likes She enjoys experiencing life and has accumulated half a lifetime of experience in getting along with others to write this magnificent masterpiece. The content covers all natural manifestations of interpersonal relationships. Madness and imitation are common behaviors in groups. The emergence of leaders in groups is related to the purpose of each era. Their emergence marks Motivating that there has been a gap between the times and thoughts, because the contradictions are growing and new management systems need to be improved, he describes some crazy leaders with unique insights in some groups. Most of them are artists and awakened people who are not willing to let their talents be left out. They are able to organize groups , understand what the group wants and pursues, they are smart, they know how to improve the social environment at that time, they are well aware of the essential problems of society at that time, they are both victims and reformers, they bring confidence to the masses, they innovate a new era.
As the author said, many people who actively participate in mass movements are often frustrated in life. They long to find a sense of rebirth in the collective. This reminds me of the book "The Crowd", both of which provide insightful analyzes of group behavior. Moreover, the author's language is concise and powerful, like the essays of Montaigne and Pascal, full of sparks of wisdom. I think this book is not only suitable for people who are interested in social sciences, but also for everyone who wants to know more about human nature and society.
Silent books are inspiring.
2025/4/13 I just watched Hitler and now I'm watching you.
It's interesting, it's fun to watch
Good Very good Strict logic
How similar is this book to The Rabble? People follow the herd mentality.
See a lot of new perspectives
I finished reading it in one sitting. It's great! Gave me a lot of inspiration
I read it 3 times and it's still not clear!