Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
the sage
It is a common mistake to assume that intelligence increases in proportion to the number of people involved. The Wise Sage has spent many years observing humanity and can confidently report that the exact opposite often appears to happen. One person making a poor decision is unfortunate. Fifty people making the same poor decision is usually on the evening news.
Whenever you encounter a large crowd running enthusiastically in one direction, resist the temptation to join in immediately. First establish why they’re running. It may be the start of a marathon… but it could just as easily be because someone shouted, “Was that a bee?”
Groups also have an astonishing ability to convince otherwise sensible people that questionable ideas are perfectly reasonable. This explains fashion trends, internet challenges, queueing for shops that haven’t opened yet, and anyone who has ever attempted to assemble flat-pack furniture as a committee exercise.
If everybody around you insists something is an excellent idea, quietly look for the nearest person shaking their head and backing away slowly. They are frequently the wisest person present and probably know something everyone else has overlooked.
Conversely, if you happen to be the only sensible person in the room, don’t announce it. Nobody has ever persuaded an angry crowd by beginning with, “Now listen here…” Instead, smile politely, edge towards the exit, and avoid making eye contact.
Finally, remember that common sense is surprisingly uncommon. If a thousand people are doing something spectacularly foolish, that simply means there are now a thousand witnesses.
As always, The Sage accepts no responsibility for abandoned flash mobs, cancelled committee meetings, or becoming the only person left standing when everyone else has decided jumping into the duck pond “looked like fun.”
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