It provides a basic explanation to changing civilizations, showing that what really affects them even more than the great milestones in the historical sense, which are only visible or visible part, is the renewal of opinions, ideas or beliefs by slow kind.
Therefore, we better understand the historical transition periods or companies of the revolutions that sometimes seem to bring the tumult.
In this context, Gustave Le Bon shows that gradually became essential factor now plays a major role: the psychology of crowds, which strongly influences the decisions of the leaders today. This force can be difficult to control, in turn, destructive or heroic. In extreme cases, it can lead to disturbing drift (see about "The demagogues from antiquity to the present day" Yves Roucaute). It could even, according to the author, lead to the destruction of our civilization, like many others have experienced before (on the nature of the latter, see especially "What is the West?" Of Philippe Nemo).
In late sociologist Gustave Le Bon therefore analyzes the soul of crowds, first studying its general characteristics (the crowds, vary in size, can be as physical as a remote meeting a multitude of persons subject to the same events , ideas or beliefs, including at various times) to reach a psychological law of their mental unit.
Then, he studied various distinctive signs can be observed, in order to study them in more detail, such impulsivity, mobility, irritability or credulity, among others, revealing the simplicity of feelings of crowds, which could lead to intolerance, authoritarianism and conservatism of them, and by extension their lack of morality, the destructive ferocity and the sense of impunity (very interesting, especially in explaining big events such as the French Revolution and its terrible excesses) may outweigh any other valuable consideration at the isolated individual (well we see today in all small groups of phenomena leading to violence or disrespectful behavior). Conversely, certain circumstances may very well lead to a very high moral character, made of sacrifice and selflessness.
Here's to the general framework. Gustave Le Bon is interested in the rest of the book, much deeper ideas of crowds, their reasoning or their imagination, as well as mechanisms of ideas and beliefs, revealing the sometimes quasi-religious character . It analyzes all factors which can influence them, studying the role of leaders and focuses on different types of crowds, crowds criminal electoral crowds, through the seat juries or parliamentary assemblies.
A true masterpiece, impossible to sum up in so few words, and an essential book for understanding our civilizations and explain the basis and the multiple developments.
