The Herd
The herd is so vitally important for the individual
that their views, beliefs, feelings, constitute reality
more so than what his senses and his reason tell him.
For the majority of people, their identity is precisely
rooted in conformity with social clichés: “They”
are who they are supposed to be, hence fear
of ostracism implies fear of loss of identity,
and the combination of both has a most
powerful effect.
Ability to act according to one’s conscience
depends upon the degree to which one has
transcended the limits of one’s society and
become a citizen of the world.
by Eric Fromm
from Poetic Outlaws
Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now.