Psychologie der Massen (Grundlagenwerk der Sozialpsychologie)

The book explores mass psychology, focusing on conformity, alienation, and leadership. Le Bon argues that individuals lose critical thinking and exhibit primitive behavior in crowds, making them susceptible to manipulation by leaders. He asserts that human actions are driven by irrational unconscious impulses, shaping institutions rather than the reverse. Le Bon examines how political ideologies gain traction within masses, the qualities of effective leaders, and the limits of mass influence, ultimately critiquing various mass groups, including juries and electorates. His work significantly impacted future thinkers like Freud and Weber, as well as political movements.