Let me introduce you to an interesting person. His name is Gustave Le Bon (1841 - 1931). He was a leading French "know-it-all",
whose areas of interest included anthropology, psychology, sociology, medicine, invention, and physics.
Le Bon developed the view that crowds are not the sum of their individual parts, proposing that within crowds
there forms a new psychological entity, the characteristics of which are determined by the "racial unconscious" of the crowd.
In his own words: "The whole of the common characteristics with which heredity endows the individuals of a race constitute the genius of the race.
When, however, a certain number of these individuals are gathered together in a crowd for purposes of action, observation proves
that, from the mere fact of their being assembled, there result certain new psychological characteristics,
which are added to the racial characteristics and differ from them at times to a very considerable degree."
This is from his book "The Crowd, A study of the popular mind" (1895). An influential book in its time. Men like Churchill, Mussolini and Stalin had read it.
At the eve of World War Two Churchill was worried. London would become a big target and Le Bon had explained, that in an emergency situation
the thin layer of varnish, which we call civilization, would disappear. Panic and violence would emerge. Then man would reveal his true nature.
September 1940 348 German bombers crossed the Channel. In 9 months more than 80.000 bombs were dropped on London and other cities.
Did the British followed the scenario as expected by Le Bon? Was the army needed to control panicing masses? Slipped the country into chaos?
No, the opposite was even the case. Of course there was pain, suffering and sorrow, but not at all the expected mental breakdown of the population.
The contrary happened. The people stuck together and became stronger. Research showed that there was no proof of a weakening of moral.
The British had a large bomber air fleet too and deliberated how to use it against Germany.
And there was Frederick Lindemann,, a British physicist who was prime scientific adviser to Winston Churchill in World War II,
a brilliant but arrogant intellectual, who pressed the case for the strategic area bombing of cities on a false premise (the theories of Le Bon) about the impact of such bombing on civilian morale.
The way the British people responded to the endless bombing was typical British. Germans weren't like that. They would behave like Le Bon claimed.
Thus one of the biggest war crimes of WWII was committed: the bombing of dozens of German cities, that is, civilian targets.
The result was the same as in the UK. Despite the indescribable suffering it strengthened German moral among the people.
Most people are OK.....
Yet military experts are slow learners. The Americans dropped three times more bombs on Vietnam then there were dropped on Germany.
It lost that war, because it still hadn't learned that most people are OK and not animals with a thin layer of civilization varnish.
The Discussion
[13:29] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): And then the Americans came in
[13:30] CB Axel: I guess the British aren't the only ones who can "Keep calm and carry on."
[13:30] herman Bergson: That;s the point here CB....
[13:30] herman Bergson: in their arrogance they thought they are a different species...
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): making UK and France and other countries even more optimistic
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): what doesn't kill u make u stronger right?
[13:31] herman Bergson: Makes me think of tomorrow...the Brexit Day....
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): h wow yes
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ow aaa tomorrow is the day
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): will be a long year sorting it all
[13:31] herman Bergson: The British think they are a different kind of people....
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): we will see what a mess or not
[13:31] CB Axel: If you think people aren't animals with a thin coat of civilization varnish you've never shared a pizza among a group of paramedics.
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ll
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hehe
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): or with me cb
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:32] CB Axel: LOL
[13:32] herman Bergson: Interesting CB :-)
[13:32] herman Bergson: What a pizza can do to human beings :-)
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): YAY! (yay!)
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): correct
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): esp to me now(hungry from dance before I feel)
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but I have some goodie stuff for later
[13:33] herman Bergson: BEjiita...:-)
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:33] herman Bergson: ALways after food :-)
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): im saiyan + dancer = always hungry
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): adn wine or beer
[13:33] herman Bergson: I only have brain food here :-)
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa whine and beer for the kickoff next week
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): LOTS of it!
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yum!
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but that feeds an other part of me, my curiosity
[13:34] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): what has Trump brought for the American people that is is still so popular?
[13:34] herman Bergson: Well this was the first optimistic talk about mankind :-)
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ah
[13:35] CB Axel: That men aren't animals?
[13:35] herman Bergson: He made tje losers feel themselves as winners Beertje
[13:35] herman Bergson: Yes CB...we aren't like Hobbes thought we were
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ecoomy he says beertje but people are forgetting that is was improving for 10 years already!!!!!!!!
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he is taking credit for Obama's time
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): economy
[13:36] herman Bergson: He sure does.....
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and a meager tax reduction
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): trump tries just to satisfy himself his wallet and all other greedy companies sucking everyone else out
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako) whispers: money money money!
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): money yes
[13:36] CB Axel: People also think a strong stock market means all is well, but most people have nothing to do with the stock market.
[13:36] CB Axel: People's personal economies are not good.
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): well it has been great
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): teh stock market does not depend on president
[13:37] herman Bergson: Stock markets are only for the rich to make more money
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he just says it does
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): agree herman
[13:37] CB Axel: It's good for my retirement account, but not for me right now.
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes cb
[13:37] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): is there more wealth now in the US?
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): only with the very rich
[13:37] CB Axel: Among the already wealthy, yes, Herman.
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): are the poor getting richer or only the already rich company boses?
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): some in certain sectors too beetje
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): poor are not gaining much
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): middle class just stuck
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but He says it is alllllllll good
[13:38] CB Axel: Book publishers seem to be doing well. There are certainly enough new books out.
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): homeless in California are a crisis
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): adn a few other locations too
[13:39] herman Bergson: yes..amazing CB..everyone writes books at the moment
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): then trump do nothing for others then the ones like himself who already swim in money and they think they are better then everyone else and boasts about it
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sighs
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): EVERYONE should gain from it
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he judges every move by money
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): thats not how to do it
[13:40] herman Bergson: Well...we'll see what comes from it....
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): sigh
[13:40] herman Bergson: At least now we have learnt that people in great distress stick together (by nature) and don't become animals
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): well there is a lot of optimism in African countries
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): growing freedoms... economies et
[13:41] CB Axel: That is a good thing, Herman.
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hope so for sure
[13:41] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): together they are much stronger than alone
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hong kong not so good
[13:41] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): alone
[13:41] herman Bergson: yes..
[13:42] herman Bergson: Oh....before I forget..>!!!!!
[13:42] herman Bergson: NExt week NO LECTURES !
[13:42] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Schier here he comes:)
[13:42] CB Axel: :)
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ahhhaaaa
[13:42] herman Bergson: It is time for me and my wife to go to the island again ^_^
[13:42] Lente (lentelies.anatine) is offline.
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aa ok
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): knew it!!!!
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa I see ㋡
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): nice
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): vacation
[13:43] CB Axel: I hope the weather will be good.
[13:43] herman Bergson: We need some fresh air...really :-)
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes hope so
[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sounds nice
[13:43] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): ah the air IS fresh there believe me:)
[13:43] herman Bergson: Forcasts look reasonable CB
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): g
[13:43] CB Axel: Going away to an island sounds lovely.
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): windy???
[13:43] herman Bergson: I love the wind Gemma....
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I would not like wind
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I hate it!!!
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): never liked it even as a kid
[13:43] herman Bergson: Walking along the beach...the wind pushing you forward......
[13:44] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): the wind is salty there:)
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): awk
[13:44] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): is marvelous
[13:44] CB Axel: I'd fly a kite. :)
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): how about it pushing back when you turn around
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ewwwww
[13:44] herman Bergson: There is a Kite shcool on the island CB :-)
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (imagines trying to breakdance there)
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): lol
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): wobbly wobbly
[13:44] CB Axel: Walk toward the wind on the way out so it's at your back on the way home.
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): either way phoo
[13:45] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): they don't know how marvelous the Island is Herman
[13:45] herman Bergson: Totally cool Gemma :-))
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nope
[13:45] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i know:)
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not to me
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): would be nice to go there I think myself
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): can't get a good look at the birds either
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): why don't you be
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not that far
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): looked really nice from the pics
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): for vacation
[13:45] CB Axel: I think I'd find the wind to be exhilarating.
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): enjoy
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed maybe an idea for sure
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:46] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): you will love it Bejiita
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): herman can tell you where to stay
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and eat
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): etc
[13:46] CB Axel: When sailing on the ocean you look to the birds on the ground to see where the wind is coming from. They face into it.
[13:46] herman Bergson: Yes Bejiita...no cars ..no busy traffic....just wind and silence...
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): oki
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:47] CB Axel: In Lake Michigan you look at the cows. They turn their backs to the wind.
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sounds cozy
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): cb you are a riot
[13:47] herman Bergson whispers: Dutch cows do the same CB :-)
[13:47] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): all cows do CB
[13:47] CB Axel: :)
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): smart animals.. i always said i would like to come back as a cow
[13:47] herman Bergson: Animals all speak the same language ^_^
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): just stand around and chew my cud
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and eat
[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): and give milk???
[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): omg Gemma
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): let people take it
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hahaha
[13:48] herman Bergson: Pretty boring actually in my opinion :-)
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): after being too busy boring sounds good
[13:48] CB Axel: I don't think getting milked looks very comfortable.
[13:49] herman Bergson: I think we are off topic enough now to end our discussion :-)
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I think it is
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): for the cow it's comfortable:)
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): right
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Have a great week!!!
[13:49] herman Bergson: So..thank you all again for your participation....^_^
[13:49] herman Bergson: Class dismissed :-))
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): :)) thank you Herman
[13:49] herman Bergson: Thank you Gemma...:-)
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): have a great time Herman
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): cu when ur back
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): have a great vacation on Schiermonnikoog
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yeah
[13:49] herman Bergson: Enjoy your free week too :-)
[13:49] CB Axel: Yes! Have a great vacation. I'll see you in two weeks.
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yesyes
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): bye all for now
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): bye all
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): cu
[13:50] herman Bergson: Bye
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