The Delusions of Crowds

In this thought-provoking audiobook, William J. Bernstein explores the phenomenon of mass delusion through the lens of historical events, drawing inspiration from Charles Mackay's classic work. He examines dramatic episodes of religious and financial mania over the past 500 years, detailing how irrational beliefs have shaped society—from the Anabaptist fervor of the 1530s to contemporary issues like the dot-com bubble and the influence of end-times beliefs on U.S. policy. Through a combination of engaging storytelling and scientific insights, Bernstein reveals the underlying biological and psychosocial factors driving human irrationality, encouraging listeners to recognize and potentially mitigate the effects of mass mania in their own lives.