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Opinion

‘Madness of Crowds’ Shakes American Freedoms

‘Madness of Crowds’ Shakes American Freedoms
People wearing protective masks walk their bicycles past a social distancing sign reading "Keep This Far Apart" at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park in New York City on May 17, 2020. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Michael Walsh
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Commentary

Back in 1841, the Scottish author Charles Mackay published his seminal study of mass lunacy, “Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds,” which included chapters on economic bubbles like the Tulip mania of 1637, the Crusades, witch hunts, and alchemy.

Michael Walsh
Michael Walsh
Author
Michael Walsh is the editor of The-Pipeline.org and the author of “The Devil’s Pleasure Palace” and “The Fiery Angel,” both published by Encounter Books. His latest book, “Last Stands,” a cultural study of military history from the Greeks to the Korean War, was recently published.
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