Definition:
“Herd mentality,” also known as “sheep mentality,” “mob mentality,” “pack mentality,” or “group behavior,” refers to a behavior where individuals follow the actions of the crowd or group without exercising independent thinking or judgment of the situation.”
Etymology:
The term “herd mentality” is derived from the behavior of animals, particularly herd animals like sheep, which tend to follow the group without individual thought. The word “herd” comes from the Old English “heord,” meaning a flock or a group of domestic animals. “Mentality” is derived from the late Latin “mentalitas,” which means state of mind or mental character. The combination of these words highlights the psychological tendency to follow the group instinctively, similar to how animals in a herd behave.
Description:
Herd behavior is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals lack information to make an informed decision and thus copy the opinions of those around them. This phenomenon arises because everyone is born ignorant and initially depends on someone more knowledgeable to make the right decisions; otherwise, they die.
This behavior persists throughout life if one belongs to a herd and cannot think independently or is not naturally guided out of it.
The word “sheeple” is a portmanteau of the words “sheep” and “people.” Humans are unique in that they can live individual lives on a global level, but still be subject to the same herd behavior as people they have never met before. This mindset is continuously promoted by authorities through propaganda, as they attempt to make everyone believe in the illusion of humanity. This is because it is much easier to control everyone if they can be controlled as a herd, which is more easily achieved by getting people to regulate each other. A well-known example of this is the character Agent Smith from the movie series The Matrix, who views all humans who do not submit to the machines as viruses that must be eliminated.
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Symbolism:
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