crazy in numbers

On its own, a vampire is calculating, logical and has great table manners. When two or more vampires get together, things tend to get out of hand. Insert religion, politics or money and chaos ensues.

I think people have the potential to behave that way, too. Two individuals can have a logical debate about an idea. Add a more people to the equation and suddenly there’s a potential for a lynch mob.

You know that old go-to phrase parents employ to the complaint that everyone is doing it: If all your friends jump off a bridge, would you do it too? There’s a Chinese version: If ten thousand people do a stupid thing, it’s still a stupid thing.

My little brother wears a tee says Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

I think about these phrases all the time, especially during election years! Things can get pretty heated out there in the world of us v.s. them. I’d like to remind everyone to keep their cool.

Keep calm and don’t act like a zombie! The mob/pack mentality can be so strong.

In my vampire book, especially the second one, the protagonist Simon feels like it’s him against the world. In that case, he’s right.

2 comments

  • I agree and disagree. I think great things have happened when like-minded people get together for a purpose. It’s unfortunate that for the most part I hear more about stupid people doing stupid things. Or maybe I should say, who I think are stupid people. People who are stupid don’t think that what they are doing is dumb. Hell, many people probably think I’m dumb in many ways. Probably am but I just don’t care. If you want to get to know the real person you have to see them in solitude otherwise in any situation when a person is added things will always be differently heated. I hope I said that all right.

  • I think the energy that brings people together ultimately determines what the outcome is. A group of people thriving on an aggressive or selfish attitude are going to turn into that stupid mob. A gathering of individuals who want to better a situation or share ideas and compassion are going to change the world. Power really is in people; the trouble is directing that energy toward something good. =)

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