# LXXIX explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief reflection on the nature of mobs and majorities, suggesting that those who believe in the wisdom of majorities cannot condemn a successful riot.

## Key lines

> Rioting gains its end by the power of numbers. To a believer in the wisdom and goodness of majorities it is not permitted to denounce a successful mob.

Mobs succeed through sheer numbers, and anyone who trusts the judgment of the majority has no right to criticize a mob that achieves its goal.

_The chapter presents a cynical view of majority rule and mob violence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/lxxix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters