Beast Quote by Thomas Browne
“If there be any among those common objects of hatred I do contemn and laugh at, it is that great enemy of reason, virtue, and religion, the multitude; that numerous piece of monstrosity, which, taken asunder, seem men, and the reasonable creatures of God, but, confused together, make but one great beast, and a monstrosity more prodigious than Hydra.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Pseudodoxia Epidemica by Thomas Browne, 1646
The crowd, a chaotic mass, undermines reason, virtue, and religion, becoming a monstrous collective.
In simple terms: The many can become a harmful, irrational force.
Beware herd mentality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political debate
- public policy
- community leadership
- social media
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does individual reason survive in a crowd?
- When can collective action be positive?
Masses can also foster solidarity and progress.