The Crowd · Chapter
Reason explained
This chapter argues that reason has little to no influence on crowds, which are driven instead by unconscious sentiments and emotions.
What happens
This chapter argues that reason has little to no influence on crowds, which are driven instead by unconscious sentiments and emotions. Effective orators appeal to feelings, not logic. The author contends that history's greatest events—such as the rise of Christianity, Islam, and Napoleon—were improbable and guided by irrational forces, not reason. Reason should be left to philosophers; civilization's mainsprings are sentiments like honor, faith, and patriotism.
Themes in this chapter
Irrationality and Credulity
The chapter emphasizes that crowds are impervious to reason and logic, responding only to sentiment and suggestion.
Unconscious Motivation
Argues that unconscious forces, not reason, drive human history and crowd behavior.
Leadership and Suggestion
Describes how effective orators must understand and manipulate crowd sentiments rather than use logical argument.
Characters to notice
- Napoleon
Cited as an example of an improbable historical figure—an obscure lieutenant of artillery who rose to reign over many peoples and kings.
- Alexander
Mentioned in comparison to the Arab empire, which was greater than that of Alexander.
- Jesus
Referenced as a Galilean carpenter who became an all-powerful God for two thousand years, founding major civilizations.
- Muhammad
Implied through the reference to 'a few bands of Arabs' who conquered the Greco-Roman world and established a vast empire.
Key passages
“The laws of logic have no action on crowds.”
Crowds are not swayed by logical reasoning.
Central thesis of the chapter: reason is ineffective on crowds.
“It is not by reason, but most often in spite of it, that are created those sentiments that are the mainsprings of all civilisation.”
Civilization is built on emotions like honor and faith, not on rational thought.
Concluding argument that irrational sentiments are the true drivers of progress.