There is nothing more foolish, nothing more given to outrage than a useless mob.
Herodotus
Learn how to maintain a fun and enjoyable atmosphere in a group by taking insights from Herodotus, the Father of History. Groups can sometimes make poor decisions when there is no clear plan or leadership, but by being a thoughtful and helpful participant, it is possible to create a positive and entertaining environment. Remember that even as one person, you have the power to influence others and contribute to the overall experience in a group setting.
Table of Contents
Meaning of Quote – There is nothing more foolish, nothing more given to outrage than a useless mob.
When you hear the name Herodotus, you might think of someone old and wise, and you’d be right! Herodotus is known as the “Father of History” because he wrote down a lot of stories about the ancient world. A long time ago, he came up with a quote: “There is nothing more foolish, nothing more given to outrage than a useless mob.” That’s kind of a fancy way to say that groups of people with nothing better to do can make some pretty bad choices.
Let’s picture what Herodotus was talking about with an example. Imagine you’re at a school with a big crowd of kids in the lunchroom. Everyone’s chatting and having a good time, when suddenly, someone throws a piece of fruit across the room. It’s kind of funny, right? But then someone else thinks it’s a game and throws another piece. Before you know it, there’s a full-blown food fight! Now, each person in that lunchroom might be smart and kind when they’re by themselves, but in a group, things got out of hand.
Herodotus believed that when people are in a mob, or a big crowd with no clear plan or good leadership, they can do silly things that they might not do if they were on their own. It’s as if the crowd becomes its own creature, with its own mind. And that creature doesn’t always make the best decisions!
So why do people in a crowd act differently? Scientists and psychologists think it might be because when we’re in a group, we sometimes feel less responsible for what happens. It’s like we share the blame around. If nobody is specifically in charge, then it can be easier to think, “Well, if everyone is doing it, it can’t be that wrong, can it?”
Back in the cafeteria, if the food fight gets out of control, who’s to blame? Is it the first person who threw the fruit? Is it the people who joined in? It’s hard to tell when everyone’s involved. That’s why we have rules and people to look out for us, like teachers and lunchroom monitors. They help guide the group to make sure things stay fun and safe.
Now, not all groups or mobs are there to start food fights. Sometimes people come together for a cause they believe in. This can be a great thing, like when people gather to clean up a park or to raise money for a good cause. That’s when being in a group can help us do more than we could alone.
But Herodotus was worried about the times when groups don’t have a good plan. Maybe everyone is bored, or they’re upset about something but don’t know what to do about it. Or worse, maybe they are being encouraged to act out by someone who doesn’t have everyone’s best interests in mind.
Think about a time when you’ve been with friends, and someone came up with a not-so-great idea. Maybe they wanted to play a prank on someone or do something risky. Remember how it felt to be caught up in the excitement? It might have seemed like good fun at first. Herodotus would say this is exactly when we need to be careful and think for ourselves.
It’s like every person in a group is a piece of a puzzle. Alone, each piece doesn’t look like much, but together they can make something beautiful or, if they’re not careful, a messed-up picture that nobody wanted. So, when we’re part of a group, we should try to be a piece that encourages the best picture possible.
We’ve all got a little voice in our heads that tells us right from wrong. When we’re in a group, we need to listen to that voice, even if it seems like it’s being drowned out by everyone else. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s super important if we want the group to be smart, kind, and useful.
Herodotus’ quote is a great reminder that we should strive to be thoughtful and helpfuleven when we’re in a crowd. We want to be the ones who step back and say, “Hey, wait a minute, is this really a good idea?” or “How can we make this situation better?” And sometimes, it just means knowing when to walk away and not get caught up in the madness.
In today’s world, we also have digital mobs on social media, where tons of people can gang up on someone or spread rumors without thinking about the consequences. So whether we’re online or in person, the message is the same: let’s not be a “useless mob” that acts foolishly. Instead, let’s be a helpful, smart crowd that works together for the good of everyone.
So, the next time you find yourself in a group of people, remember Herodotus and his wise words. Whether you’re having fun with your friends, standing up for something you believe in, or just hanging out, think about what kind of crowd you want to be part of. And remember, even if you’re just one person in a big group, you have the power to make smart choices and influence others to do the right thing, too. That’s something Herodotus would probably be really proud of!
I hope this quote inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
