The herd instinct and how it may lead to collapse of civilization -- W. Trotter's 1916 book "Instincts of the Herd in Peace and War"

W. Trotter's 1916 book "Instincts of the Herd in Peace and War"

is a 265-page essay on how the subjugation of the individual under some societies gives great strength but also great weakness. And too much power in hands of elite has led to civilization collapse time and time again through human history.

it is written during WWI and centres on the different group behaviours of England (United Kingdom) and German -

England's individualist and voluntary social organization versus the Prussianism of the German state.

His main points are outlined in brief on page 255.

three classes of leadership -- hereditary, representative and the official (p. 257)

none particularly inspiring as to expected duration of this civilization.

some of this way over my head but interesting.

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