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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…” quote by Thomas Browne
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“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.”

Thomas Browne

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.

Key Takeaway

Beware herd mentality.

Themes

society reason virtue religion crowd

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • public policy
  • community leadership
  • social media
  • education

Key Concepts

collectivism mass psychology philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does individual reason survive in a crowd?
  • When can collective action be positive?
A Different Perspective

Masses can also foster solidarity and progress.

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